Creamy Chicken Stew &#8211; On My Kids Plate

If you’re craving a warm, cozy dinner that feels homemade without taking all night, this creamy chicken stew is it. Soft potatoes, tender chicken, and a creamy broth come together in one pot for an easy family favorite.

A bowl of creamy chicken stew with carrots, peas, celery, and potatoes, served with bread rolls and fresh parsley on the side.

Why We Love Creamy Chicken Stew

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Stew

chicken breasts – boneless, skinless, diced into 1-inch pieces, boneless chicken thighs or already cooked rotisserie chicken also work here
salt
black pepper
olive oil
salted butter – salted is ok, can also use unsalted
carrots about 2 large, cut into rounds or pieces small enough to sit on a spoon
celery about 2 ribs, diced
yellow onion diced, can use white onion or sweet onion also
garlic – minced, fresh or from the jar
all purpose flour
yellow potatoes large, diced into 1-inch chunks. You can use red potatoes or other waxy potato so they hold their shape. Brown russet potatoes will be too starchy and fall apart in this recipe.
chicken broth – I prefer low sodium, but you can also use regular chicken broth or vegetable broth
heavy cream – half and half can also be used, but the soup will be less creamy
bay leaf – dried, adds flavor to the soup
peas – frozen works well, canned peas will be mushy

How To Make Creamy Chicken Stew

Cooking The Chicken

Season the chicken with 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and set to the side.
Place a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it warms and becomes shiny. Put the seasoned chicken breast into the pot and brown for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, but not cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set to the side.

Cooking The Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, carrots, celery, and onions. Season with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir frequently until the onions are translucent and the carrots and celery have softened, about 5 minutes.

A pot containing chopped carrots, celery, onions, seasonings, and a pat of butter sits on a marble countertop beside a plate of cooked chicken pieces for creamy chicken stew.

Chopped carrots, celery, and onions are being sautéed in a white pot on a marble countertop; a plate of cooked chicken pieces sits nearby to make a creamy chicken stew.

Add the garlic to the pot and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Cook and stir frequently for 2 minutes, the butter and flour start to make a paste. This will also keep the soup from tasting like flour.

A white pot with chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic being cooked with garlic to make a creamy chicken stew.

A white pot with chopped carrots, celery, onions, and flour being sautéed to thicken a creamy chicken stew. A plate of cooked chicken pieces sits nearby on a marble surface.

Cooking The Broth And Finishing The Stew

Return the chicken back to the pot. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and the bay leaf. Stir until well combined, and increase the heat to medium high until the soup begins to boil across the top.

A white pot full of chicken pieces, vegetables and cream for a creamy chicken stew.

A white pot filled with creamy chicken stew after simmering.

Reduce the heat to medium-low to keep the soup simmering. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes. Check that the potatoes are tender when you poke it with a fork.
Uncover the pot and add the frozen peas. Allow the peas to warm for about 3 minutes or until they are warmed through.

Adding frozen peas to a creamy chicken stew in a large pot.

A white pot filled with creamy chicken stew containing peas, diced vegetables, and visible bay leaf/

Remove the bay leaf and discard. Add extra salt and pepper to taste if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Three bowls of creamy chicken stew with carrots, peas, potatoes, and celery sit on a marble surface, next to a pot of creamy chicken stew, fresh parsley, garlic, and bread.

Creamy Chicken Stew FAQ

How can I make the stew thicker or thinner?

For a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes so the broth reduces. If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth at the end. The stew will continue to thicken after it is finished cooking due to the potatoes.

What should I serve with creamy chicken stew?

This stew pairs well with crusty bread or cheesy biscuits to soak up the creamy broth. A simple side salad also makes it feel like a full meal.

How do I reheat this stew without the cream separating?

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Lower heat helps keep the broth smooth and creamy.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker instead?

This recipe is written for the stovetop, but if you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it option, try my creamy slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup for a similar cozy dinner.

How Long Will This Chicken Stew Last?

Expect this chicken stew will last for about 3 days if stored in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator.

I don’t find that this soup freezes very well, as the cream tends to split when you reheat it after freezing.

Creamy Chicken Stew

Course Dinners, lunch, Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

This creamy chicken stew is thick, comforting, and full of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich, creamy broth. An easy one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family meals.

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