Wisconsin Chicken Stew
A hearty Wisconsin chicken stew featuring tender chicken, flavorful mirepoix, and steamed root vegetables, all thickened with a rich roux for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole (3 lb.) frying chicken ⓘ
- cold water ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cups mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot) ⓘ
- roux
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 cup onion, diced large ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 cup carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, reduced
- 2 stalks celery, cut large on bias ⓘ
- 4 small red potatoes, diced large and steamed al dente ⓘ
- 1 cup rutabaga, diced large and steamed al dente
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and cut up the chicken.
- Place the chicken in a saucepot and cover with cold water.
- Stir in mirepoix, bay leaf, and salt, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the stock and strain to remove the mirepoix.
- Discard the mirepoix and return the stock to a simmer.
- Slowly thicken the stock with a roux to reach a medium consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Wisconsin Chicken Stew, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. If you don't have a whole chicken, you can substitute with chicken thighs or breasts. For a quicker option, pre-made mirepoix can save you prep time. Adjust the thickness of your stew by varying the amount of roux; a thicker stew pairs well with crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Wisconsin Chicken Stew with a side of buttery bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. It also pairs beautifully with Potato, Cabbage And Bacon Casserole for a hearty family dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew thickens too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wisconsin Chicken Stew contains roughly 764 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 943mg 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. Allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour to achieve a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut milk.
How can I make the stew spicier?
To add some heat to your Wisconsin Chicken Stew, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the spice level to their liking.
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).