Simmered Chicken
A hearty simmered chicken dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and subtle spices, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the stewing chicken, chopped onion, cloves, sliced carrots, celery tops, and bay leaves in a large pot.
- Add 3 cups of hot water to the pot.
- Heat to boiling, then cover and reduce the heat.
- Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
- Discard bay leaves, celery tops, and onions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in your favorite herbs and spices before cooking. Substituting the stewing chicken with a whole roasting chicken can also work well, though cooking time may vary. If you want to add a twist, consider adding garlic or ginger to the pot. This recipe can be adapted to pair beautifully with Spanish Rice With Chicken for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the simmered chicken with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, or over rice for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced spread. For a variation, try serving alongside Chicken Nut Puffs for a delightful contrast in textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover simmered chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. If you have a large batch, consider freezing the chicken soup for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simmered Chicken contains roughly 417 calories, with 11g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (201% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), and iron (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% 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 thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption. If using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the simmering time slightly to ensure it’s cooked through.
What can I do with the leftover broth?
The leftover broth can be strained and used as a base for soups or sauces. It’s packed with flavor and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use. Consider using it in recipes like Chicken For Two for added depth.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices such as paprika or cayenne for a kick. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like potatoes or green beans during the last hour of simmering for a heartier dish.
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).