Chicken Stew For Forty People
A hearty and flavorful chicken stew featuring tender chicken, red pepper, sage, and a creamy milk-based broth, perfect for large gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken with red pepper and sage; let cool.
- Pick chicken off bones, removing all bones, fat, gristle, and cartilage.
- Break into bite-sized pieces and place back into broth. Bring to a slow boil.
- Add 1 gallon of milk while stirring.
- Bring the mixture back to a slow boil.
- Mix 1 quart of milk with the flour.
- Add the flour mixture to the broth while stirring well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- After each stirring, skim particles that come to the top of the broth and discard.
- Repeat skimming several times until broth is clear.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while cooking the chicken. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative instead of margarine. You can also enhance the stew with additional vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier dish. For a touch of sweetness, add a diced apple or some dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken stew over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting dessert afterward, consider making No Bake Coconut Pecan Chews to finish on a sweet note.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Stew For Forty People contains roughly 459 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 chicken breasts instead of fryers?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than whole fryers. Ensure they are fully cooked and tender before shredding and adding to the broth.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out thicker than desired, simply add a bit more milk or chicken broth gradually while stirring until you reach your preferred consistency. It's always best to add liquid slowly to avoid making it too watery.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this stew gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially broths and seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
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).