Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew
Indulge in this luxurious, Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew that promises to warm your soul on chilly days. This one-pot wonder is packed with tender, juicy chicken thighs, a medley of vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, all simmered in a rich and velvety cream sauce. With the added flavor of Zatarain's Spanish Rice, this dish not only satisfies the hunger but also serves as a nutritious meal that can feed your entire family. Serve it over warm, flaky biscuits for a comforting touch that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
1 (lb, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Baby Carrots
1 (cup)
Celery
1 (cup, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
Onion
1 (cup, diced)
Water
4 (cups)
ZATARAIN'SĀ® Spanish Rice
1 (package (7 ounces))
Heavy Cream
1 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the cubed chicken thighs and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown.
3
Incorporate the baby carrots, celery, and onion into the pot, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4
Pour in the water and the entire package of Zatarain's Spanish Rice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
6
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
7
Serve the creamy chicken stew over warm, freshly baked biscuits, if desired.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Stew?
It is a luxurious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and a velvety cream sauce served with Spanish rice.
What kind of chicken is best for this stew?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, though thighs are generally more succulent in long-simmered stews.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
This stew includes a medley of baby carrots, sliced celery, and diced onions.
What makes the stew sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from adding one cup of heavy cream toward the end of the cooking process.
What brand of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses one 7-ounce package of Zatarain's Spanish Rice.
How much water do I need to add?
You will need 4 cups of water to cook the rice and form the base of the stew.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a one-pot wonder that can be made entirely in a Dutch oven or a large saucepan.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for 6 to 8 minutes until it is golden brown.
How long should the stew simmer?
Once the ingredients are combined, let the stew simmer for 20 minutes.
Should the heat be high or low during simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low after the mixture reaches a boil and the cream is added.
What should I serve the stew over?
It is highly recommended to serve the creamy chicken stew over warm, freshly baked biscuits.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving of this stew.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
This stew provides 20g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the pot?
No, the rice is added dry and cooks directly in the pot with the water and other ingredients.
What is the first step in making this stew?
The first step is heating oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
When do I add the vegetables?
Add the carrots, celery, and onion after the chicken has been browned for 6 to 8 minutes.
How long do the vegetables cook before adding water?
Cook the vegetables for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead?
While fresh are recommended, you can use frozen vegetables, though they may require less cooking time.
What size should the carrots and celery be?
The recipe calls for 1-inch pieces for the celery and whole baby carrots.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is finished when the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together, usually after 20 minutes of simmering.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is a hearty and nutritious meal designed to satisfy an entire family.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You could use half-and-half or whole milk, but the stew will not be as rich or thick.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any standard cooking oil like vegetable, canola, or olive oil will work.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Yes, feel free to add black pepper or fresh parsley to customize the flavor profile.
Is the Spanish rice spicy?
Zatarain's Spanish Rice provides flavor and seasoning but is generally mild enough for most palates.
Should I stir the stew while it simmers?
Yes, stirring occasionally helps ensure the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Is the pot covered or uncovered during the simmer?
The pot should be covered during the 20-minute simmering stage.