Summer Chicken & Basil Stew Recipe
Introduction
This Summer Chicken & Basil Stew is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for warm evenings. Tender chicken thighs simmer with fresh basil, sweet peppers, and new potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp plain flour, seasoned
- 2 red peppers, diced
- 12 new potatoes, halved
- 150ml white wine
- 200ml chicken stock
- 20g pack basil, leaves only
- Crusty bread, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large, flameproof casserole over high heat. Dust the chicken thighs evenly with the seasoned flour and add them to the casserole. Cook, turning once, until golden all over.
- Step 2: Add the diced red peppers and halved new potatoes to the casserole and cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the casserole and reduce the heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Step 4: Stir in the basil leaves and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve the stew hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking and easier eating.
- Substitute the white wine with extra chicken stock if preferred.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Include other summer vegetables like courgettes or cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through. The stew can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw thoroughly before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out faster and require less cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use seasoned flour?
Seasoned flour adds extra flavor and helps create a nice crust on the chicken. If you don’t have it, you can use plain flour with a pinch of salt and pepper mixed in.
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Summer Chicken & Basil Stew Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Summer Chicken & Basil Stew is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines tender chicken thighs with fresh red peppers, new potatoes, and fragrant basil. Simmered in white wine and chicken stock, it offers a luscious, comforting meal perfect for any season, especially warm summer evenings. Served with crusty bread, it’s an easy one-pot recipe that packs flavor and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
Vegetables
- 2 red peppers, diced
- 12 new potatoes, halved
Liquids and Herbs
- 150ml white wine
- 200ml chicken stock
- 20g pack basil, leaves only
Serving
- Crusty bread, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, flameproof casserole dish over high heat. Dust the 8 chicken thighs with the seasoned plain flour and add them to the casserole. Cook the chicken, turning once, until golden brown all over.
- Add vegetables and cook briefly: Add the diced red peppers and halved new potatoes to the casserole and cook for 3 minutes to start softening them.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in 150ml of white wine and 200ml of chicken stock. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the casserole with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Finish with basil and serve: Stir in the basil leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the stew with fresh herb aroma. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious juices.
Notes
- Use a flameproof casserole to ensure safety when cooking over high heat.
- You can substitute white wine with extra chicken stock if preferred.
- Season the plain flour with salt and pepper prior to dusting the chicken for even flavor.
- Adjust cooking time if using bone-in or skinless chicken thighs for optimal tenderness.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread to enjoy the stew’s full flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: chicken stew, basil chicken, summer stew, one pot meal, chicken thighs recipe, easy dinner
