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Origin of Easy Chicken and Gravy Stew

Easy Chicken and Gravy Stew Recipe

Origin of Easy Chicken and Gravy Stew; Chicken and gravy stew is one of those comforting, hearty meals that transcends cultural boundaries and generations.
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup frozen peas optional
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half optional, for richer gravy
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the chicken
  • Season the chicken pieces with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  • Step 2: Brown the chicken
  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches and sear until golden brown on the outside (they do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove chicken and set aside.
  • Step 3: Cook the aromatics
  • In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 4: Make the gravy base
  • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Step 5: Simmer the stew
  • Return the chicken to the pot. Add poultry seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.
  • Step 6: Finish the stew
  • Remove the bay leaf. Stir in frozen peas and heavy cream (if using) during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
  • Step 7: Serve and enjoy
  • Ladle the chicken and gravy stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a complete comfort meal.