If you are craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl, look no further than this hearty Country Chicken Stew. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy navy beans, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection – creating a rustic stew full of soul and deep, satisfying flavors. Whether it’s chilly weather or you just want a nourishing, stick-to-your-ribs dinner, this Country Chicken Stew is exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

Country Chicken Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Country Chicken Stew plays a pivotal role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the smoky bacon to the fresh herbs, these simple yet essential components come together to create something truly special.

Dried navy beans: These soak up all the delicious flavors and add creamy texture, key for a rich stew.
Thick-cut bacon: Adds a smoky, savory base that complements the chicken beautifully.
Small onions: When thinly sliced and sautéed, they bring natural sweetness and depth.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse subtle but aromatic punch throughout the broth.
Thyme, bay leaf, and parsley (tied): The classic herb trio that infuses the stew with earthy, fresh herbal notes.
Whole chicken: Your star ingredient, seasoned with a little salt under the skin to enhance juiciness and flavor.
Water: To cover all ingredients and allow everything to meld into a flavorful broth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
Carrots: Add a gentle sweetness and colorful vibrancy to the dish.
Cabbage: Thinly sliced for a lovely texture that softens just right in the stew.
Lemon or red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness.
Fresh parsley or herbs: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that lifts the entire bowl.

How to Make Country Chicken Stew

Step 1: Soak the Beans

The first step brings the dried navy beans to life by soaking them in water for 4 to 12 hours, or overnight if you can plan ahead. This softens the beans and shortens their cooking time, ensuring a creamy texture in the final stew.

Step 2: Sauté Bacon, Onions, and Garlic

While the beans soak, get the flavor base started by heating the bacon, onions, and garlic in a pot over medium-high heat. Cooking until everything is soft and fragrant—about 10 minutes—releases the smoky, sweet, and savory aromas that form the heart of the stew.

Step 3: Combine Beans, Herbs, and Chicken

Add the soaked beans along with the tied bundle of thyme, bay leaf, and parsley into the pot, then nestle the whole chicken right on top. Pour in enough water to cover everything, sprinkle the tablespoon of salt, and put on a lid. Let it gently simmer for around an hour, allowing those flavors to meld deeply.

Step 4: Remove Chicken and Add Vegetables

Once the hour is up, carefully lift the chicken out and set it aside to cool—this gives you time to skim off any gray foam from the surface, improving the stew’s clarity and taste. Discard the herb bundle, then stir in the sliced carrots and cabbage. Let the stew simmer further so the vegetables become tender and soak up the delicious broth.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Finish the Stew

When the chicken has cooled enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return half the chicken back to the pot, saving the rest for another tasty meal. To brighten the flavors, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar right before serving. Top with fresh herbs and get ready to dig in with some crusty bread for dunking!

How to Serve Country Chicken Stew

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or your favorite herbs not only adds that lovely pop of green against the rich broth but also gives a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the hearty flavors. For a little extra, you can drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or add a few thin lemon slices on top.

Side Dishes

Serving this heartwarming Country Chicken Stew with rustic, crusty bread is a classic move—perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious broth. For more substance, creamy mashed potatoes or a simple buttered rice pilaf would complement and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, consider serving the stew in individual rustic bowls with herbs and a lemon wedge on the side. Or for a casual weeknight, ladle it over a bed of rice or buttered noodles to turn it into a wintertime feast that’s both comforting and stunning. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Country Chicken Stew keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain all the vibrant flavors and textures. The beans and vegetables will continue to soak up the broth, making subsequent meals even more delicious.

Freezing

This stew freezes wonderfully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick hearty meal, just thaw and reheat.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Country Chicken Stew on the stovetop over low to medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking down the beans too much. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up—it should be just as comforting and tasty as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use different beans instead of navy beans?

Absolutely! While navy beans create that creamy, hearty texture, you can substitute with cannellini, Great Northern, or even pinto beans. Just keep in mind the cooking times might vary slightly.

Is it necessary to use a whole chicken?

Using a whole chicken infuses the stew with rich flavor and natural gelatin from the bones, giving it body and depth. However, you could use bone-in thighs or drumsticks as an alternative, but the cooking time and taste may vary.

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the bacon, onions, and garlic on the stove first for the best flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the soaked beans, herbs, chicken, and water, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender and chicken is cooked through.

How do I prevent the beans from being too mushy?

Soaking the beans beforehand helps control texture, and simmering gently is key. If you prefer firmer beans, check them early and remove them once tender but not falling apart.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work perfectly in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount of dried thyme, bay leaf, and parsley compared to fresh, and tie them together so you can remove before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Country Chicken Stew is the kind of recipe that warms your soul and gathers loved ones around the table. Its effortless preparation paired with satisfying, layered flavors makes it a true staple for any kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try—the comforting aroma and hearty taste are guaranteed to become an all-time favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.

Country Chicken Stew Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 13 hours 45 minutes (including soaking)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A hearty and comforting Country Chicken Stew featuring tender chicken, soaked navy beans, bacon, and fresh vegetables simmered together for a rich, flavorful meal perfect for any cozy dinner.

Instructions

Soak the Beans: Cover the navy beans with water and soak them for 4 to 12 hours. This helps to soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
Sauté Bacon, Onions, and Garlic: Heat the bacon pieces in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and garlic and cook until the mixture is very soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
Add Beans, Herbs, and Chicken: Add the soaked beans and the tied herbs (thyme, bay leaf, parsley) to the pot. Place the whole chicken on top, cover everything with water, add the salt, and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for about one hour.
Remove Chicken and Add Vegetables: After one hour, carefully remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate or cutting board to cool. Skim off any foam from the surface of the stew and remove and discard the herb bundle. Add the sliced carrots and cabbage to the pot and continue simmering until the vegetables are tender.
Shred Chicken and Finish Stew: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred or cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return half of the chicken meat to the pot, reserving the other half for another use. Finish the stew with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar. Garnish with fresh parsley or preferred herbs and serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.
Rubbing salt under the chicken skin enhances flavor and juiciness.
You can use either lemon juice or red wine vinegar to add brightness to the stew at the end.
Reserve half the shredded chicken for use in salads, sandwiches, or other recipes later in the week.
Serve with crusty bread and garlic herb butter for a complete comforting meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 4-12 hours bean soaking
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Stew
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Country American/Traditional