10 Hearty Chicken Stew Ideas for Cozy Family Dinners

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken stew when you’re craving comfort food that fills your belly and warms your soul. These hearty recipes transform simple ingredients into satisfying meals.

From spicy Cajun flavors to creamy international dishes, these chicken stews offer something special for every family dinner table.

01. Quick Cajun Jambalaya

This Louisiana-inspired one-pot wonder brings bold Cajun flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs (cut into chunks), 1 pound andouille sausage (sliced), 2 cups long-grain white rice, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 large onion (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Quick Cajun Jambalaya

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

2. Add sliced sausage to the same pot and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and Cajun seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add rice and stir to coat with the seasoned mixture.

4. Pour in chicken broth and return browned chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

02. Creamy Latin Chicken Stew

Rich cream cheese creates the perfect base for this satisfying stew loaded with pantry favorites. This filling dinner comes together quickly for busy families.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (cubed), 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 can black beans (drained), 1 cup frozen corn, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 onion (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, shredded cheese and sour cream for serving.

How To Make Creamy Latin Chicken Stew

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides until golden, about 8 minutes total.

2. Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken and onions, stirring to coat everything evenly.

3. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add black beans and frozen corn, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add softened cream cheese in small chunks. Stir constantly until cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and stew thickens slightly. Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, and warm cornbread for dipping.

03. African Peanut Chicken Stew

This incredibly hearty stew showcases rich peanut flavors in every spoonful. The recipe welcomes substitutions and tastes amazing served over rice or quinoa.

Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in), 1 cup natural peanut butter, 6 cups chicken broth, 2 sweet potatoes (cubed), 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make African Peanut Chicken Stew

1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown chicken on both sides until golden, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and paprika, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

4. Whisk peanut butter into the broth until completely smooth and well combined. Return chicken to the pot along with cubed sweet potatoes.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 35-40 minutes until chicken is tender and sweet potatoes are fork-tender. The stew should be thick and creamy.

6. Remove chicken, shred the meat, and discard bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer 5 more minutes before serving over rice.

04. White Chicken Chili

This nontraditional beany chili comes together in just thirty minutes for busy weeknights. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, 3 cans white beans (drained), 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cans diced green chiles, 2 jalapeños (seeded and minced), 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 2 tablespoons olive oil, sour cream and cheese for serving.

How To Make White Chicken Chili

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.

2. Remove chicken from pot and let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside while preparing the base.

3. Add diced onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, jalapeños, cumin, and oregano, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Pour in chicken broth and add green chiles with their juice. Bring mixture to a boil, then add white beans and shredded chicken back to the pot.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens slightly and flavors meld together beautifully. Serve hot with sour cream and shredded cheese.

05. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

This Moroccan-inspired recipe provides plenty of protein from sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tender chicken. Simply throw everything in the slow cooker for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, 2 large sweet potatoes (cubed), 1 can chickpeas (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons honey, cooked rice for serving.

How To Make Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Layer cubed sweet potatoes and drained chickpeas over the chicken.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, diced onion, minced garlic, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and honey until well combined.

3. Pour the seasoned broth mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, making sure everything is well covered with liquid.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken shreds easily with a fork and sweet potatoes are tender.

5. Remove chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces, then return to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and let stand for 5 minutes before serving over fluffy rice.

06. Classic Chicken and Dumplings

This true comfort dish features rotisserie chicken for convenience and fluffy homemade dumplings. Perfect for beginners who want to customize based on family preferences.

Ingredients: 1 whole rotisserie chicken (shredded), 6 cups chicken broth, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup whole milk, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 carrots (diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, fresh thyme and parsley.

How To Make Classic Chicken and Dumplings

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, cooking until vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 8 minutes.

2. Pour in chicken broth and add shredded rotisserie chicken. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Gradually stir in milk until a soft, sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix or dumplings will be tough instead of light and fluffy.

5. Using a large spoon, drop rounded portions of dumpling dough directly into the simmering stew, spacing them apart so they have room to expand.

6. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. Dumplings should be puffed and cooked through when done.

7. Gently stir in fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot in deep bowls.

07. Louisiana Chicken Gumbo

This classic bayou dish represents Louisiana’s state cuisine at its finest. Traditional vegetables combine with chicken and smoky andouille sausage for authentic flavor.

Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in), 1 pound andouille sausage (sliced), 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large onion (diced), 2 bell peppers (diced), 3 celery stalks (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 8 cups chicken broth, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, cooked white rice.

How To Make Louisiana Chicken Gumbo

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large Dutch oven and brown chicken on both sides until golden, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Add sliced sausage to the same pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside with chicken.

3. Add remaining oil and flour to the pot, whisking constantly over medium heat to create a roux. Cook, stirring continuously, until roux turns deep brown, about 15-20 minutes.

4. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and celery to the roux, cooking until vegetables soften, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and remaining Cajun seasoning.

5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, making sure no lumps remain. Add bay leaves, chicken, and sausage back to the pot.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes until chicken is tender. Remove chicken, shred meat, discard bones, and return meat to pot. Serve over rice.

08. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Tender chicken thighs combine with sweet dried fruits and aromatic Moroccan spices in this slow cooker delight. This perfect blend of sweetness and spice tastes amazing over couscous.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, 1 large eggplant (cubed), 2 carrots (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 1/2 cup dried apricots, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 cups chicken broth, cooked couscous for serving.

How To Make Moroccan Chicken Tagine

1. Place chicken thighs in your slow cooker and season generously with salt and pepper. Layer cubed eggplant, sliced carrots, and onions over the chicken.

2. Scatter dried apricots and cranberries throughout the vegetables, distributing them evenly so every serving gets sweet fruit pieces.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together tomato paste, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth until smooth and well combined.

4. Pour the spice mixture and remaining broth over everything in the slow cooker, making sure all ingredients are well coated with the aromatic sauce.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fork-tender and vegetables are perfectly cooked.

6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving over fluffy couscous to soak up all the delicious sauce.

09. Slow Cooker Pot Pie Stew

This deconstructed version of classic chicken pot pie cooks hands-free in your slow cooker. Serve over warm buttermilk biscuits to capture that traditional pot pie experience.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, 3 large potatoes (cubed), 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, warm biscuits for serving.

How To Make Slow Cooker Pot Pie Stew

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Add cubed potatoes and frozen mixed vegetables around the chicken.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and onion soup mix until completely smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is covered with liquid for even cooking throughout.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken shreds easily and potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Remove chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces, then return to the slow cooker. Stir in heavy cream for extra richness.

6. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then stir into the stew. Cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened to perfect consistency. Serve over warm, flaky biscuits.

10. Italian Chicken Spezzatino

This Italian-style stew features lean chicken breast as the star protein instead of traditional beef. Salty pancetta and tangy artichoke hearts create incredible flavor served over pasta.

Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts (cubed), 4 ounces pancetta (diced), 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts (drained), 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1/2 cup white wine, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, cooked pasta for serving.

How To Make Italian Chicken Spezzatino

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then brown on all sides until golden, about 8 minutes total.

2. Add diced pancetta to the pot and cook until crispy and rendered, about 5 minutes. The pancetta fat will add incredible flavor to the stew base.

3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

4. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let wine simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

5. Add diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and drained artichoke hearts. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 25-30 minutes.

6. Remove lid and continue simmering for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is tender. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving over your favorite pasta with fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

These comforting chicken stew recipes prove that hearty, satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated. Each one brings unique flavors and textures to your dinner table.

Whether you prefer spicy Cajun dishes or sweet Moroccan tagines, there’s a perfect stew here to warm your family’s hearts and bellies tonight.