Alabama Chicken Stew

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: Southern

Alabama Chicken Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in a savory broth with a hint of vinegar and spice, perfect for family gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 9 to 10 lb. chicken
  • 10 lb. potatoes
  • 3 lb. onions
  • 1 small package carrots
  • 3 cans lima beans
  • 6 cans tomatoes
  • 2 small cans whole corn
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • hot red pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil the chicken, then cool and pick off the bones.
  2. Peel potatoes, onions, and carrots; cut them into pieces.
  3. Put the vegetables in boiling broth from the chicken.
  4. Add the chicken, lima beans, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and vinegar to the pot.
  5. Cook for about 1 hour.
  6. Add the corn and continue cooking over medium to low heat until thickened, stirring often.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves while cooking the broth. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling your own. You can substitute fresh green beans for lima beans or add frozen peas for added sweetness. Feel free to adjust the vinegar to your taste for acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Alabama Chicken Stew with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A simple green salad or coleslaw complements the dish well, adding freshness. This hearty stew pairs beautifully with Light Chicken And Sausage Gumbo for a diverse family dinner spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Alabama Chicken Stew contains roughly 465 calories, with 12g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (257% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 72g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

465 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.4g 25% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 115.8g 42% DV
Fiber 72g 100% DV
Sugar 13.4g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 142.4mg 6% DV
Potassium 1104.4mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 1.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 153.8mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 159.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 74.6mg 6% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless chicken; however, the skin adds extra flavor and richness to the broth. If using skinless chicken, consider adding a bit of olive oil to the pot for added taste.

How can I make this stew vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth. You can also add more beans for protein, making it a filling dish without meat.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

You can use canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes if in season. The choice will affect the stew's texture, so choose based on your preference for chunkiness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Chicken recipes → All recipes →