Succulent Stewed Chicken: A Flavorful Comfort Food Delight

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Brown the Chicken:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Build the Flavor:
   • Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
   • Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, and cumin.
   • Return the chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them into the sauce.
5. Simmer to Perfection:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover and let it simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
   • Stir occasionally, adding more broth if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.
6. Finish & Serve:
   • Discard the bay leaves.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot.

📌 Tips for the Best Stewed Chicken:

• Choose Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on pieces add extra flavor to the stew, but boneless chicken can be used for quicker cooking.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add potatoes, green beans, or even a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Succulent Stewed Chicken over a bed of steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. 🍞🍛 For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving. 🍋

📢 Let’s Chat!

What’s your favorite comfort food that brings back warm memories? Share your go-to cozy recipes or any special twists you add to your stewed chicken in the comments below! 👇✨

Enjoy your cozy and flavorful bowl of Succulent Stewed Chicken—the perfect dish to warm up any chilly day! 🍗💛