Hearty Homestyle Chicken and Tomato Hotpot with Herb-Infused Broth

This comforting hotpot delivers rich, warming flavors ideal for those cozy evenings at home or a communal feast with loved ones. The herb-infused broth enriches tender pieces of chicken, soft potatoes, and tomatoes, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:
– 4 cups chicken stock
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hotpot:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups potatoes, diced
– 3 large tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup carrots, sliced
– 1 cup celery, chopped
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth:
– In a large pot, combine chicken stock, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the broth to remove the herbs and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken:
– In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables:
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
– Add the diced potatoes and chopped tomatoes, and cook until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Combine ingredients:
– Return the browned chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the sautéed vegetables.
– Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
– Gently pour in the herb-infused chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer:
– Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.

6. Add cream:
– Stir in the heavy cream, and let the hotpot simmer for an additional 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

7. Serve:
– Ladle the hotpot into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
– Serve hot alongside crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.

Enjoy the warm, homestyle goodness of this flavorful chicken and tomato hotpot!