Old-Fashioned Chicken Stew
A hearty, comforting chicken stew with salt pork, potatoes, and tender dumplings, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Render salt pork in a heavy pan over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the cut-up chicken to the pan and brown slightly.
- Add salt, pepper, and enough water to cover the ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to very slow and simmer for 3 hours.
- During the last 20 minutes, increase heat to a rolling boil.
- Add sliced potatoes and flour dumplings to the boiling mixture.
- Cook until potatoes are tender and dumplings are done.
- Remove the entire mixture from the pan.
- Thicken the stock with flour and pour over the chicken, potatoes, and dumplings before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the salt pork with bacon or pancetta. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use skinless chicken pieces. To enhance the stew, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. Don't rush the simmering process; the longer it simmers, the more flavorful the dish will become. This recipe is a classic among American recipes, so feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Bea'S Chicken And Rice or a side of steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container, heating in intervals to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Chicken Stew contains roughly 68 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1194mg per serving (52% 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 boneless chicken for this stew?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but the flavor may be less rich. Bone-in, skin-on pieces add depth to the stew, but boneless options will still yield a delicious result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as boneless pieces will cook faster.
How can I thicken the stew if I forget to add flour?
If you forget to add flour or want a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch instead. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew while it simmers. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until thickened.
What other vegetables can I add to the stew?
You can enhance the stew with carrots, celery, or peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to add heartier vegetables like carrots earlier in the cooking process, while quicker-cooking vegetables like peas can be added in the last 30 minutes.
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).