Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This red stew chicken recipe is your answer. It's a delicious and healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade recipe. This recipe is packed with flavor and is a great example of delicious dishes you can easily create at home.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or your favorite side dish, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Stew: Return the chicken to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, whisk together the flour with a little cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering stew and cook for a few more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. This step creates a richer, more satisfying texture.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or your favorite side dish. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
Tips for the Best Red Stew Chicken:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder stew, omit it altogether.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme and oregano on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped. Fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your dish.
- Make it Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stew, such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Stew: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This red stew chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It's a perfect example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!