Country Chicken Stew Saute
Country Chicken Stew Saute is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, mushrooms, and potatoes simmered in brandy and herbs, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. fryer chicken, cut in pieces ⓘ
- flour ⓘ
- 3 thin slices lean bacon, diced ⓘ
- 6 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 c. brandy ⓘ
- 1 (2 x 1-inch) piece lemon peel ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 to 6 small new potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme
Instructions
- Wipe the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and dust lightly with flour.
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, sauté the chicken in butter until golden on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add diced bacon to the pan and sauté until golden.
- Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, sauté until limp.
- Return the chicken to the pan along with diced potatoes, brandy, water, lemon peel, bay leaf, thyme, and crushed garlic.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the potatoes and chicken are tender.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, spooning juices over the chicken and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of chicken thighs and breasts. If you don't have brandy, white wine or chicken broth can be good substitutes. Dusting the chicken lightly with flour helps to create a nice crust while sautéing. You can also add some carrots for added sweetness and color, similar to how it's done in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Country Chicken Stew pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. You can also serve it alongside a fresh Spinach Salad With Cooked Dressing for a complete meal. For a cozy dinner, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Chicken Stew Saute contains roughly 2453 calories, with 45g protein, 303g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (206% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2497mg per serving (109% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using frozen pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to account for the chill.
What can I use if I don't have fresh mushrooms?
If fresh mushrooms are unavailable, you can substitute with canned mushrooms or even dried mushrooms rehydrated in warm water. While they may not provide the same texture, they will still add a nice umami flavor to the stew.
Is there a way to make this stew healthier?
To make the stew healthier, you can reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon. Additionally, you can increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding carrots or green beans, to boost fiber and nutrients without compromising flavor.
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).