Nanny's chicken stew!
#lemon8challenge #lemon8badgehunt
when I was a little girl, my most favorite meal was when my grandmother would make her home made chicken stew!! 🤤
it was one of the most comforting things! not only did I watch her make it for hours (a lot of sitting and waiting, minimal work) but we would talk and laugh and of course days of our lives was always on! IYKYK!
I made this in a 7.5 quart lodge USA Dutch oven! and no regrets! now I'm really only feeding two...so I buy freezer gallon ziploc bags and divide them up!!! throw them in the freezer! on the nights I really wanna stop for take out, we thaw a meal!!!! I can keep to my low carb but also have a lazy night! 🥰
so here's what I do! half the Dutch Oven full of water, 4-5 chicken bouillon cubes-unless you make it from scratch like me then it's 3 tbs! (if you want that recipe I can share the link just let me know) after that put in about 2 pounds of chicken thighs and boil until chicken is 165°
after that add 2 large cans of vegall, 1 large can of diced tomatoes, 2 small cans of tomatoes paste, 2 cans cream of chicken.
grab that food processor!!! throw your chicken in and pulse a few times and put it back in the Dutch oven. set to a medium heat and let her cook!!!
I normally let it cook at least 3 hours, stirring and tasting a long the way! once your potatoes are soft you're good!
we always eat ours witch cheese and crackers mixed in! makes it around 8ish carbs a bowl with the crackers!!
let me know if you try nanny's recipe!!! it's an all time favorite in our house! (especially the frozen when we are sick!)
Growing up, I always found that the key to a great chicken stew was patience and love, much like the way this recipe highlights slow cooking in a Dutch oven. The low and slow method not only tenderizes the chicken but also deeply melds the flavors of the broth, diced tomatoes, and vegetable additions. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts adds more richness and moisture, which makes the stew taste extra comforting. One tip I’ve picked up from experience is to pulse the boiled chicken in a food processor to create a lovely texture that penetrates the stew, helping it thicken naturally without needing too many heavy thickeners. Also, adding bouillon cubes or making your own chicken stock concentrates flavor wonderfully, especially if you plan to freeze portions for busy weekdays. Speaking of freezing, dividing the stew into gallon freezer bags is a game changer for meal prep. It’s handy for nights when you want something wholesome but fast—just thaw and heat. Pairing the stew with cheese and crackers not only enhances the flavor but keeps the carb count low, which is fantastic for those mindful about nutrition. From a personal perspective, this stew is more than just food; it's family tradition and comfort wrapped in a bowl. The ritual of stirring and tasting during those hours of cooking, sharing laughs, and reminiscing on memories like watching beloved shows with family—it's these moments that really make the dish special. If you're exploring nostalgic family recipes or want a hearty, easy freezer-friendly meal, this homemade chicken stew recipe is definitely one to try. Whether feeding two or a crowd, the Dutch oven method scales beautifully, and the leftovers just get better with time. Let this stew be your new go-to comfort food, especially as a nourishing pick-me-up during colder days or when feeling under the weather.