Spicy Chicken Stew
A flavorful spicy chicken stew with sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices, perfect for cozy dinners and those who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 1 cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 1 tsp curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 5 crushed peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 c chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 medium apple, cored, peeled, and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 c golden raisins ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
- toasted, slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add onion and garlic and sauté, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Dust chicken with flour and add to the skillet. Brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add cinnamon stick, curry powder, ginger, and peppercorns and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and stir up browned bits from the skillet.
- Add sweet potato and apple pieces.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and simmer until chicken and potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add raisins and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes longer.
- Remove the cinnamon stick.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve over cooked rice mixed with toasted, slivered almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of curry powder and yogurt for a few hours beforehand. If you don't have golden raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dates. To thicken the stew, you can use cornstarch instead of flour. This dish pairs beautifully with cooked rice mixed with toasted, slivered almonds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy chicken stew over rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a complete dinner, consider serving with warm naan or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A dollop of yogurt can also be a refreshing addition to balance the spices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to maintain the desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken Stew contains roughly 978 calories, with 35g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (235% of the Daily Value), iron (187% of the Daily Value), and protein (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% 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 breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of thighs. However, be mindful that breasts can dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they're cooked through.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day ahead of time and actually tastes better as the flavors meld together. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth if needed, before serving. It's a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
If you don't have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can be used as a substitute. Both will provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the stew well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for different ingredients.
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).