Autumn Medley Stew
A hearty autumn-inspired stew featuring tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, herbs, and rice, perfect for cozy family dinners and enjoying seasonal produce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, add water and optional chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken breast halves and cook until no longer pink, about 15 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped green pepper, and diced potatoes.
- Cook vegetables until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add crushed garlic, rosemary, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, breaking it into pieces if desired.
- Add canned stewed tomatoes with their juice and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Shred or slice the cooked chicken, then add back to the stew if not already in pieces.
- Serve the hot stew over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. You can substitute the chicken breast with turkey or tofu for a variation. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes before adding the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew over a bed of cooked rice for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with a light dessert, such as apple crisp, to complement the autumn flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Autumn Medley Stew contains roughly 1966 calories, with 39g protein, 358g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (298% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (179% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1913mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
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 make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. For a different protein, shredded beef or pork could work as well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle in chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste. Just remember to adjust the seasoning gradually to achieve your desired level of spice.
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).