Southern Creamy Chicken Stew

There’s nothing like a bowl of Southern Creamy Chicken Stew to warm your soul and fill your kitchen with nostalgic comfort. This hearty dish brings together tender chicken, rich cream, and a medley of vegetables in a thick, velvety broth that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy Sundays, or when you just need a taste of the South in one satisfying spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken stew is the definition of cozy. It’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor—exactly what you crave when comfort food is calling your name. The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, and the steps are easy to follow, even for beginners. It’s a one-pot meal that’s satisfying enough on its own but also flexible enough to pair with cornbread, biscuits, or even a crusty baguette.

Pure Comfort

Southern Creamy Chicken Stew is like a warm hug in a bowl. Inspired by traditional Southern flavors, it combines classic ingredients—onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and chicken—with a creamy base that’s both indulgent and nourishing. The secret to its deep flavor lies in slow simmering and the addition of herbs that elevate the dish without overwhelming it.

Ingredients

For the Stew

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1½ pounds cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Cracked black pepper

What You Need

You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, a wooden spoon, and a ladle. Prep bowls will help keep your veggies organized, and if you’re shredding your own chicken, a couple of forks or a hand mixer make the task easier.

Time to Cook

Total time for this Southern creamy delight is about 45 minutes. That includes prep, simmering, and letting it rest to thicken before serving.

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 2: Season & Thicken

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux base for thickening.

Step 3: Add Broth & Simmer

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Potatoes

Stir in the shredded chicken and diced potatoes. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add Cream & Veggies

Stir in heavy cream, corn, and peas. Simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the stew thickens slightly.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls, top with fresh parsley and a pinch of cracked pepper if desired.

Make It Perfect

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add rich, roasted flavor. Make sure not to boil the stew after adding cream to prevent curdling. A good low simmer will let all the flavors meld beautifully.

Mix It Up

Add chopped spinach or kale for a leafy green boost. Want it spicy? A dash of cayenne or hot sauce can bring some Southern heat. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of white for a sweeter twist.

Perfect Partners

This stew pairs beautifully with flaky biscuits, sweet cornbread, or even a simple green salad. Try it with buttered toast or cheddar drop biscuits for a Southern touch.

Busy Day Hero

You can prep all the veggies ahead of time and use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to cut down on cook time. Everything comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze too.

Work Ahead

The stew base can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat, add the cream, corn, and peas, and simmer before serving.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

Everyone’s Happy

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken. It’s hearty, filling, and picky-eater approved. Kids love the creamy texture and tender chicken.

Good For You Too

Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and comforting carbs, this stew hits the balance between indulgent and wholesome. Use reduced-fat cream or milk if you’re watching calories.

Easy Clean Up

Since it’s a one-pot meal, there’s minimal cleanup—no need to juggle multiple pans or baking trays. A wipe-down of the cutting board and one pot to wash? Yes, please.

Switch It Up

Want a dairy-free version? Substitute coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer. You can also swap in turkey or even white beans for a vegetarian twist (just use veggie broth!).

Simply Perfect

No matter how you tweak it, Southern Creamy Chicken Stew never disappoints. It’s simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—the kind of recipe that becomes a household favorite after the first taste.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, just dice raw chicken breasts or thighs and sauté them with the vegetables in the beginning. Simmer until fully cooked through.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect for this stew—they get tender but hold their shape well.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, but freeze it before adding cream. Add cream when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

How do I thicken the stew more?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot for added thickness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, whole milk, or even evaporated milk can work. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free option.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then add everything (except the cream, corn, and peas) to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6-7 hours, add remaining ingredients in the last 30 minutes.

Is this stew spicy?

Not at all. It’s mild and comforting. But feel free to spice it up with cayenne, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Southern Creamy Chicken Stew is the perfect dish to gather around. It’s full of flavor, creamy and cozy, and ready to satisfy even the hungriest crowd. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet evening or feeding a full table, this stew brings Southern hospitality and comfort to every spoonful.

More Cozy Comfort Food Recipes to Try Next

If that Southern Creamy Chicken Stew hit the spot, you’ll love digging into more dishes that bring the same home-cooked warmth. Start with the ultra-indulgent Million Dollar Chicken Casserole—a creamy, satisfying bake that’s a weeknight favorite. Keep the rich flavors going with a bowl of Soup Bone Recipe—deeply flavorful and slow-simmered to perfection. For a creamy pasta fix, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta brings all the cozy vibes. If you need a side that stands up to a stew, the buttery Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes are a golden, crispy match. And when you’re in the mood for another spoonful of nostalgia, don’t skip the Traditional Greek Lemon Rice Soup (Avgolemono)—light, bright, and just as comforting.

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