Brown Stew Chicken

When it comes to comfort food, nothing spins my taste buds into a joyful frenzy quite like a warm plate of brown stew chicken. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce that dances with the flavors of garlic, thyme, and bell peppers. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone strolling in like hungry ghosts, eagerly awaiting their feast. It’s not just a meal it’s an experience that wraps you in nostalgia, filling your heart as much as your belly.

This brown stew chicken recipe isn’t just for family dinners or special occasions it’s for any day you need a little extra love on your plate. I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends at a potluck. Let’s just say the clean plates spoke volumes while I relished the compliments and maybe a little too much of my own cooking. The excitement of serving up something so flavorful brings instant joy, and trust me your taste buds will thank you

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This brown stew chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
  • Its flavor profile strikes a delightful balance between savory and slightly sweet, making it irresistible
  • The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
  • This dish is versatile enough to pair beautifully with rice, potatoes, or even crusty bread

I once had a friend who claimed they didn’t like chicken until they tasted this dish. One bite later, they were practically asking for seconds before finishing their first helping

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Bone-in Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: These cuts stay juicy during cooking and soak up all the flavorful goodness.
  • Fresh Garlic: Using minced garlic adds depth opt for fresh over pre-minced if possible.
  • Onion: A large onion brings sweetness to balance the savory elements of the stew.
  • Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers to enhance the visual appeal and add freshness to each bite.
  • Thyme: Fresh thyme infuses an earthy aroma dried can work too but use less.
  • Carrots: Sliced carrots add both sweetness and texture that complements the chicken perfectly.

For the Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still giving that umami punch.
  • Tomato Paste: This ingredient gives richness and depth to your sauce don’t skip it
  • Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances out acidity and deepens flavors beautifully.
  • Chicken Broth: For simmering, use low-sodium broth for more control over flavor intensity.
  • Pimento (Allspice): Adds warmth to the stew don’t be shy with it
  • Cayenne Pepper (optional): Add some heat if you’re feeling spicy just a pinch will do

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Getting started with this brown stew chicken recipe is easier than you might think Follow these steps and watch how quickly you’ll become a kitchen superstar.

Prepare Your Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add oil until shimmering. Toss in chopped onions and garlic until they’re golden and fragrant about 3-5 minutes should do.

Add Chicken: Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces in the pot skin-side down. Brown those beauties for about 5-7 minutes per side until they’ve developed a lovely golden color.

Add Vegetables: Stir in diced bell peppers, carrots, and thyme. Let them mingle with the chicken until softened around 5 minutes should suffice.

Create Your Sauce: Add tomato paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, pimento, cayenne (if using), and broth into the pot. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom.

Braise & Simmer: Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fork-tender and flavors meld beautifully.

With every step of this brown stew chicken recipe, you’ll find yourself enveloped in comforting aromas that make even waiting worthwhile

Enjoy serving this dish over rice or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that delightful sauce

You Must Know

  • The brown stew chicken is not just a dish it’s a comforting hug for your taste buds
  • Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to every table
  • The deep aroma of spices fills the air, inviting everyone to the feast

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Sear it first in hot oil, then simmer with vegetables and broth until tender and flavorful.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or add vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for extra nutrition. A dash of coconut milk can create a rich twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warm.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match
  • Remember to sear your chicken before simmering this step locks in moisture and flavor beautifully
  • Lastly, taste as you go to adjust seasonings according to your preference

The first time I made brown stew chicken, my friends couldn’t get enough By the end of dinner, they were asking for seconds and thirds while I was left wondering if I should start an official “Brown Stew Chicken Club.”

FAQs

FAQ

What can I serve with brown stew chicken?

Pair it with rice and peas, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, skinless chicken works well but may be slightly less juicy than skin-on options.

How long does brown stew chicken last in the fridge?

It lasts about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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Brown Stew Chicken


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  • Author: Ann Foster
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Brown Stew Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, delivering tender chicken simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce brimming with garlic, thyme, and bell peppers. This dish not only fills your belly but also warms your heart, making it perfect for any occasion. With its delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite that leaves everyone asking for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of colors)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ tsp pimento (allspice)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse chicken under cold water and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until golden (3–5 minutes).
  3. Add chicken pieces skin-side down; brown for about 5–7 minutes per side.
  4. Stir in bell peppers, carrots, and thyme; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Mix in soy sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, pimento, cayenne (if desired), and broth. Scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
  6. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–40 minutes until chicken is tender.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (200g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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Ann Foster

Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Ann Foster! Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, I found my passion for cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I traveled across the country exploring new flavors and cooking techniques. This website is my passion project—where I share delicious recipes meant to bring people together, one meal at a time. Welcome to my culinary journey!

Chef Ann