Easy Chicken Stew
A hearty and comforting chicken stew featuring tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and tender noodles in a savory broth, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Skin the whole chicken and place it in a pot with enough water to almost cover.
- Add diced onion, garlic, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 15 minutes on high heat.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables to the pot.
- Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken, pull off bones, cut into pieces, and return to the vegetable mixture.
- Add egg noodles and cook until tender.
- Stir in low-fat chicken or mushroom soup, adding enough milk or water to achieve a thick gravy consistency.
- Heat thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in herbs or spices before cooking. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works well too. You can substitute any frozen vegetable mix for the Birds Eye brand. Adjust the seasonings to your taste; a splash of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor. This stew can be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken stew is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. For a variation, try adding a sprinkle of cheese on top or serve alongside a side of steamed vegetables. It’s a great option for family dinners or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chicken stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk if it has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave, heating in intervals to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Stew contains roughly 85 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 934mg per serving (41% 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 chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as they will cook faster than a whole chicken. Add the egg noodles and vegetables once the chicken is cooked through to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you don't have egg noodles, any pasta will work, such as rotini or penne. Alternatively, you can use rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta or grain you choose.
How can I make this stew more nutritious?
To increase the nutritional value, add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers. You can also use whole grain noodles instead of regular egg noodles. Additionally, incorporating legumes like chickpeas or lentils can boost protein and fiber content.
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).