Spiced Aroma Chicken Stew (Printable Version)
Tender chicken and aromatic spices blend with vegetables in a comforting, flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired stew.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 14 oz canned chopped tomatoes
08 - 3.5 oz frozen peas
→ Spices & Aromatics
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1½ tsp ground cumin
11 - 1 tsp ground coriander
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp ground cinnamon
14 - ½ tsp ground turmeric
15 - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Liquids & Extras
17 - 2 cups chicken stock
18 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
19 - Juice of ½ lemon
20 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Incorporate chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until browned on all sides, approximately 5 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste, then add sliced carrots, diced bell pepper, and cubed potatoes. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Pour in chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
06 - Uncover, add frozen peas, and simmer for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
07 - Stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret when you realize how simple ingredients transform into a rich, aromatic feast.
- The balance of warming spices and tender chicken makes it a family favorite that always invites second helpings.
02 -
- Don’t rush browning the chicken; the flavor develops in that golden crust and adds depth you can’t get otherwise.
- Adding lemon juice at the end is a game changer—it brightens and balances the spices in a way that transforms the stew.
03 -
- Use chicken thighs for moisture and flavor—they stand up best to the long simmer.
- Resting the stew for a few hours after cooking lets the spices fully develop and blend harmoniously.