Easy chicken stew recipe for an affordable family dinner

Chicken stew is affordable and easy to prepare.

Chicken stew is the kind of meal that makes feeding the family a little easier.

It is filling, affordable and simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, without spending hours in the kitchen.

It is also a practical way to make a few chicken pieces go further, with a hearty gravy that brings everything together.

Serve it with rice, pap or fresh bread, and you have a family dinner that doesn't need much else.

This recipe keeps things straightforward, with the chicken and vegetables simmering in one pot until tender.

Browning the chicken first helps build flavour, while a little patience at the end gives the gravy time to thicken.

One of the most common frustrations with homemade chicken stew is a sauce that tastes flat.

Browning the chicken pieces before adding the liquid helps develop deeper flavour and gives the stew a richer finish.

Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the chicken. If the pieces are packed too tightly, they will steam rather than brown.

A watery stew is another frequent complaint. This recipe uses a simple flour slurry made with flour and water, which is stirred into the pot before simmering.

The key is to mix the flour thoroughly with cold or room-temperature water first.

Adding dry flour directly to the stew can cause lumps.

As the stew cooks uncovered toward the end, the sauce reduces naturally and becomes thicker.

For busy households looking for a budget-friendly chicken dinner that feels hearty without requiring complicated cooking, this chicken stew recipe is a reliable one-pot option that earns its place in the weekly rotation.