Basque Chicken Stew
A hearty Basque chicken stew featuring tender chicken, vibrant peppers, tomatoes, olives, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup red potato wedges ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green olives ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 cup frozen okra ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked rigatoni ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in Dutch oven with salt and pepper. Cook chicken 2 minutes per side.
- Add onion and red pepper. Cook 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, potato wedges, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add uncooked rigatoni and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add green olives and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Serve hot with crusty French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and thyme for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have rigatoni, any pasta shape will work; just adjust the cooking time as needed. You can substitute green olives with kalamata olives for a different taste. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the stew's texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty French bread for dipping, or over a bed of rice for a heartier meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the flavors nicely. Consider pairing with a light red wine to elevate the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Basque chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it appears too thick. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basque Chicken Stew contains roughly 456 calories, with 7g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), iron (65% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2244mg per serving (98% 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 use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust the simmer time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or homemade broth can be used as a substitute. You can also use water, but adding a little extra seasoning will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Basque chicken stew is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and flavors improve as it rests. Just portion it out into individual servings for easy reheating throughout the week.
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).