Hearty Irish Stew with Chicken: A Comforting Classic Reimagined

Irish stew is a dish that speaks to the heart and soul. Traditionally made with lamb or mutton, it has long been a staple of Irish cuisine. The hearty combination of meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs is comforting and perfect for cold weather. In this version, we’re swapping the traditional lamb for chicken, creating a lighter but still deeply flavorful stew. This adaptation not only offers a new twist on an old favorite but also makes it easier for those who may not typically enjoy lamb or mutton to experience the richness of Irish stew. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for a Sunday gathering, this chicken Irish stew is sure to impress.

Ingredients and Preparation

Serves 6

To make this Irish stew with chicken, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables and brown the chicken, adding depth to the flavor.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch pieces: Chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness than chicken breasts and hold up well in stews.
• 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma to the base of the stew.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: For a subtle, savory punch that enhances the overall flavor.
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Sweet and earthy, carrots are a classic addition to any stew.
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes: These provide the stew with its hearty, comforting texture.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Acts as the base of the stew, creating a flavorful liquid to cook the vegetables and chicken in.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: A classic herb in Irish stew, giving the dish its signature flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an aromatic, piney note that complements the thyme.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the stew.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning and a mild heat.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): To thicken the broth slightly, if you prefer a thicker stew.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own comforting chicken Irish stew:

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into 1½-inch pieces. Since chicken thighs are naturally tender and flavorful, they’ll cook well in the stew without becoming dry. Set them aside.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the chicken first adds depth of flavor to the stew. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the carrots and potatoes: Stir in the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes. These vegetables are a key part of the stew’s texture and flavor, so don’t skip them!
5. Add the chicken broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step adds even more flavor to the broth. Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
6. Simmer the stew: Return the browned chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the stew to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The chicken will continue to cook in the broth, adding more flavor to the stew.
7. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the stew and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the stew thickens.
8. Finish the stew: Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Making Irish stew may sound intimidating at first, but it’s a simple and forgiving dish. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use chicken thighs: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs are ideal for stews because they stay moist and tender even after cooking for a long time. They also add more flavor to the broth.
2. Don’t skip browning the chicken: Browning the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor to the stew, so don’t rush this step. Take your time to get a good sear on the chicken pieces.
3. Make it ahead: Irish stew tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.
4. Adjust the thickness: If you want a heartier, thicker stew, you can add more potatoes or use the cornstarch slurry. Alternatively, you can let the stew simmer uncovered for a longer time to allow the broth to reduce.
5. Vegetable variations: If you prefer, you can add other root vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, for a different flavor. These vegetables cook similarly to carrots and potatoes and will work well in this stew.
6. Seasoning adjustments: Feel free to tweak the herbs and spices to suit your tastes. You can add bay leaves, garlic powder, or even a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken Irish stew is a meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:

1. Crusty bread: Serve your stew with some hearty, crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. A slice of buttered sourdough or a classic Irish soda bread would pair perfectly.
2. Green salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the stew. Consider adding a handful of arugula or spinach for extra flavor.
3. Mashed potatoes: If you love potatoes, serve the stew over mashed potatoes for an extra creamy touch. The mashed potatoes will absorb the stew’s broth and make each bite even more indulgent.
4. Roasted vegetables: For a light, healthy side, try roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or peas. The sweetness of the roasted vegetables will balance the savory richness of the stew.

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Engagement Features

Now that you’ve made this delicious chicken Irish stew, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Comment below: Tell us how your stew turned out or share your own twists on this recipe. Did you add extra vegetables or change the seasoning? We’d love to hear your ideas!
• Share on social media: If you enjoyed making this dish, share your photos and tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Use the hashtag #ChickenIrishStew for a chance to be featured on our page.
• Try it with a twist: Have a favorite ingredient you think would work well in this stew? Let us know, and we might just feature your suggestion in a future recipe!