Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both wholesome and easy to make, I’ve got you covered with this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe. I absolutely love how this stew balances tender chicken with vibrant veggies like aubergine and fennel, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Stick with me here, because this fan-freaking-tastic recipe will pretty much become your go-to for a cozy meal any night of the week.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s both wholesome and vibrant. I love using fresh aubergine and fennel because they add a nice depth to the stew, while the chicken thighs bring that rich, juicy flavor that just can’t be beat. When you’re shopping, try to pick firm, fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken for the best results.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin if you can – it adds a subtle fruity taste.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced, it softens beautifully and brings sweetness to the dish.
• Aubergine (Eggplant): Choose firm ones; they hold their shape and soak up flavors nicely.
• Courgette (Zucchini): Adds mild freshness and texture contrast.
• Fennel Bulb: Provides a lovely, slightly sweet anise-like flavor that lifts the stew.
• Chicken Thighs (or legs): I prefer thighs since they stay juicy and tender during the long simmer.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key for aroma and punch.
• Chicken Stock: Homemade or low-sodium store-bought work well here.
• Chopped Tomatoes (tin): Adds acidity and sweetness that balances the stew.
• Dried Oregano: The herbaceous backbone of this Mediterranean classic.
• Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and bring all the flavors together.
• Rice, Couscous, or Bread: For serving – choose your favorite to soak up the stew’s goodness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit whatever ingredients I have on hand or to take it in a different flavor direction. Feel free to experiment — cooking this stew to your tastes is part of the fun!

• Using Different Proteins: Sometimes I swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts or even lamb chunks for a richer taste.
• Adding More Veggies: Bell peppers or mushrooms can work well if you want more variety.
• Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes when frying the garlic.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra chickpeas or white beans to keep it hearty.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Onions Slowly

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wide, deep saucepan. Add the sliced red onions and cook them over low heat, covered with a lid, for about 5 minutes. The goal is to soften them gently without browning – this really helps bring out their natural sweetness and sets a flavorful base for the stew.

Step 2: Brown the Vegetables

Next, add your aubergine, courgette, and fennel chunks to the pan and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until the veggies are golden brown in spots. This step adds a beautiful caramelization that deepens the flavor dramatically – don’t rush it!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

While the veggies are cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them skin-side down to the hot pan. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. This seals in those juices and gives the chicken a lovely crust. If you prefer, you can do this step before you start cooking the vegetables to save some multitasking stress.

Step 4: Build the Stew

Turn the heat back down to low and add the crushed garlic to the veggie mixture, frying for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken stock, tinned tomatoes, and oregano, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine everything and bring the stew up to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken Gently

Place the browned chicken pieces into the stew, skin side up. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low for 25 minutes. This slow simmer is where the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld together – it’s one of my favorite parts!

Step 6: Reduce and Finish

After 25 minutes, give the stew a gentle stir and cook uncovered for another 20 minutes. Stir every so often to prevent sticking and add a splash of water if the stew looks too dry. This final step thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency and concentrates all those wonderful aromas.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little torn basil on top before serving. It adds that pop of bright green freshness that complements the stew’s rich flavors beautifully. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving lifts everything even more.

Side Dishes

This Mediterranean Chicken Stew shines when paired with fluffy rice or warm couscous to soak up the saucy goodness. For a rustic feel, I love serving it with thick slices of crusty bread – perfect for mopping up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this stew in individual rustic bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs and paired with a chilled glass of rosé. It’s cozy, inviting, and looks way fancier than it really is. You could also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top to finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool the leftover stew to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, so leftovers taste fantastic, sometimes even better than freshly made.

Freezing

This dish freezes really well! I portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This has saved me on many busy days when I needed a quick, homemade meal.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, a splash of water or stock helps bring it back to a perfect consistency without losing the flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken Stew Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s comfort food that never feels heavy or boring. The way those tender chicken pieces mingle with the caramelized vegetables and bright herbs always feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want a hearty, healthy meal without the fuss. So grab your apron and give it a go—the best part is, your family and friends will be asking for seconds.

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