Chicken And Spinach Stew
I still remember the first time I made Chicken And Spinach Stew for my family. It was a chilly winter evening, and we all gathered around the dinner table, eager to taste the dish I had spent all afternoon preparing. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, and the first spoonful was like a warm hug on a cold day. My family loved it, and it has since become a staple in our household.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients, and the steps are easy to follow, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The best part is that it's a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to spend with your loved ones.
The key to a great Chicken And Spinach Stew is using high-quality ingredients. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they are tender and juicy. Fresh spinach is also a must, as it adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to the dish. And let's not forget the aromatics – onions, garlic, and celery are the foundation of a delicious stew.
This recipe is perfect for families, as it's easy to make in large quantities and can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.
In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a delicious Chicken And Spinach Stew that's sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let's get started and make some comforting memories around the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The stew is packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy option for families.
- It's a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to spend with your loved ones.
- The recipe can be made in large quantities and refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep.
- It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- The stew is comforting and delicious, making it perfect for a chilly winter evening or a special occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to a great stew is layering the flavors. By sautéing the onions, garlic, and celery in butter, we create a rich and aromatic base that sets the tone for the rest of the dish. Then, we add the chicken and cook it until it's browned, which adds texture and flavor to the stew.
The spinach is added towards the end of the cooking process, which helps preserve its nutrients and flavor. By cooking it briefly, we can avoid overcooking it and ending up with a mushy texture. The result is a stew that's packed with flavor, nutrients, and texture.
Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of chicken broth and white wine. These liquids add moisture and flavor to the stew, while also helping to cook the chicken and vegetables. By using a combination of both, we can create a rich and savory broth that's perfect for dipping bread or serving over rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to making a great Chicken And Spinach Stew, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic spices to create a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious. Be sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final result.
One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the chicken. I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they are tender and juicy. Fresh spinach is also a must, as it adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to the dish. And let's not forget the aromatics – onions, garlic, and celery are the foundation of a delicious stew.
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighsI prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they are tender and juicy. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs or a combination of chicken breast and thighs if you prefer.
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butterButter adds a rich and creamy flavor to the stew, but you can also use olive oil or a combination of both if you prefer.
- 1 large onion, choppedOnions are a fundamental ingredient in many stews, and they add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can use any type of onion you like, but I prefer to use yellow or white onions.
- 3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a must in many stews, and it adds a pungent flavor to the dish. You can use more or less garlic depending on your personal preference.
- 2 stalks celery, choppedCelery adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the stew, and it's a classic ingredient in many stews. You can use any type of celery you like, but I prefer to use fresh and tender stalks.
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the stew, and it's a fundamental ingredient in many stews. You can use low-sodium broth or make your own broth from scratch if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup (125ml) white wineWhite wine adds a rich and savory flavor to the stew, and it's a classic ingredient in many stews. You can use any type of white wine you like, but I prefer to use dry and crisp wines.
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach leavesFresh spinach is a must in this recipe, as it adds a burst of flavor and nutrients to the dish. You can use any type of spinach you like, but I prefer to use fresh and tender leaves.
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme is a classic herb in many stews, and it adds a savory and slightly bitter flavor to the dish. You can use fresh or dried thyme, but I prefer to use dried thyme for its convenience and shelf life.
- 1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt is a fundamental ingredient in many stews, and it adds flavor and texture to the dish. You can use any type of salt you like, but I prefer to use kosher salt or sea salt for their flavor and texture.
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper is a classic seasoning in many stews, and it adds a sharp and pungent flavor to the dish. You can use any type of pepper you like, but I prefer to use freshly ground black pepper for its flavor and aroma.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken And Spinach Stew
- 1Heat the butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
- 2Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
- 3Add the chopped celery and cook until it's tender, about 5 minutes. The celery should be soft and fragrant, with a slightly sweet flavor.
- 4Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook until they're browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- 5Add the chicken broth, white wine, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- 6Add the browned chicken back to the pot and simmer until it's cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C).
- 7Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they're wilted, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach should be tender and flavorful, with a bright green color.
- 8Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add any additional herbs or spices you like, such as parsley or paprika.
- 9Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- 10Let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to stay tender.
- 11Reheat the stew gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven, if preferred.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and tender chicken, to make a delicious and nutritious stew.
- Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Instead, cook it until it's just done, then let it rest and stay juicy.
- Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process, as it can quickly become overcooked and mushy.
- Use a combination of chicken broth and white wine to add moisture and flavor to the stew.
- Let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to stay tender.
- Reheat the stew gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add unique flavors to the stew.
- Serve the stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
- Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and tender chicken.
- Not letting the stew rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to become disjointed and the chicken to become dry.
- Not reheating the stew gently, which can cause it to become overcooked and mushy.
- Not using a combination of chicken broth and white wine, which can make the stew lack moisture and flavor.
- Not adding the spinach towards the end of the cooking process, which can cause it to become overcooked and mushy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add diced carrots or potatoes to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of protein, such as beef or pork, for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Add other herbs and spices, such as paprika or cumin, to give the stew a unique flavor.
- Use coconut milk or cream to add a rich and creamy texture to the stew.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to add flavor and nutrients to the stew.
- Serve the stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Experiment with different types of wine, such as red or white, to add unique flavors to the stew.
What to Serve With Chicken And Spinach Stew
Serve the Chicken And Spinach Stew hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Some other options for serving the stew include:
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
The Chicken And Spinach Stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To store, let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.
To reheat the stew, gently heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven, if preferred.
When reheating the stew, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry and tough. Instead, heat it gently until it's just hot, then serve immediately.
Some tips for storing and reheating the stew include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the stew ahead of time?
Yes, the stew can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze.
Can I use different types of protein?
Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as beef or pork, for a unique twist on the recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to the stew for added flavor and nutrition. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I serve the stew with different sides?
Yes, you can serve the stew with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Simply choose the side that you prefer and serve it alongside the stew.
Can I freeze the stew?
Yes, the stew can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze.
How do I reheat the stew?
To reheat the stew, gently heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven, if preferred.
Can I make the stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, the stew can be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I make the stew in a Instant Pot?
Yes, the stew can be made in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (125ml) white wine
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp (2g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter.
- Add the chopped celery and cook until it's tender, about 5 minutes. The celery should be soft and fragrant, with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook until they're browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the chicken broth, white wine, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the browned chicken back to the pot and simmer until it's cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they're wilted, about 1-2 minutes. The spinach should be tender and flavorful, with a bright green color.
- Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add any additional herbs or spices you like, such as parsley or paprika.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Let the stew rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving, which will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to stay tender.
- Reheat the stew gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven, if preferred.