Hearty Stewed Chicken
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Chicken:**
* Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat.
* Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
* Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
* In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. **Combine Ingredients and Simmer:**
* Return the browned chicken to the pot.
* Add the chicken broth, white wine (if using), thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and salt.
* Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. **Serve:**
* Remove the bay leaf before serving.
* Serve the stewed chicken over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
**Tips:**
* For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of chicken broth and beef broth.
* Add your favorite vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, or green beans, during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* To make the stew even more flavorful, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Enjoy your homemade stewed chicken!
Read more...