Washpot Chicken Stew
A hearty Southern-style chicken and gizzard stew with smoky flavors, tender meat, and savory broth, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 lb chicken leg quarters ⓘ
- 4 lb chicken gizzards
- 4 lb chicken livers
- 3 1/2 gal water
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 cans condensed celery soup ⓘ
- 2 cans condensed chicken soup ⓘ
- 3 cans whole grain white Shoepeg corn ⓘ
- 2 lb diced onions ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb pork fatback ⓘ
- 1 cup catsup
- 1/3 cup salt
- 2 Tbsp powdered red pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Build a fire using hickory or oak wood under and around the washpot.
- Fry the pork fatback until crisp, then remove from the pot, leaving the grease for seasoning.
- Add water, chicken leg quarters, diced onions, and chicken gizzards to the washpot. Use hot fire.
- Bring to a boil and stir frequently for 30 minutes before adding all other ingredients except livers.
- Remove bones from the meat once it has separated from them.
- Continue boiling for another 20 to 30 minutes until gizzards are tender.
- Reduce most of the fire from the washpot and add the chicken livers to the stew.
- Simmer the stew for about 15 minutes until the livers are thoroughly cooked.
- Remove all fire from the washpot and serve the stew hot.
- Serve with saltine crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken leg quarters overnight with your spices. If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute turkey leg quarters for chicken. Additionally, using homemade chicken broth instead of bouillon cubes can enhance the stew's richness. For a twist, add some diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition, similar to the approach in Chicken For A King.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stew is perfect served with saltine crackers for a comforting meal. You can also pair it with cornbread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded dinner. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside dishes like Barley Bean Medley or a light dessert to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the stew into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Washpot Chicken Stew contains roughly 1474 calories, with 36g protein, 292g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken if you prefer. However, keep in mind that using bone-in pieces adds flavor to the stew. If you opt for boneless chicken, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from becoming dry.
How can I adjust the spice level of the stew?
Adjusting the spice level is easy! You can reduce the amount of powdered red pepper and black pepper for a milder flavor. Alternatively, if you enjoy heat, feel free to increase these spices or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
What else can I add to the stew for extra flavor?
For additional flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of soy sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the dish. For a unique twist, try adding a can of diced tomatoes, reminiscent of American recipes.
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).