Comforting Chicken Stew with Winter Vegetables

This hearty and warming Chicken Stew with Winter Vegetables is perfect for those cold nights when you want something wholesome and satisfying. Rich with tender chicken, colorful winter vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish not only fills your belly but also warms your soul.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
– 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
– 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Brown the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables and Broth:
Add the carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Return the chicken to the pot.

4. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

5. Thicken the Stew:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for another 5 minutes, until the stew thickens slightly.

6. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until wilted.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and enjoy with some crusty bread on the side.

This Comforting Chicken Stew with Winter Vegetables is a deliciously cozy dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and delightful meal for any winter evening.