
This classic braised chicken dish brings warmth and comfort to any table. The tender meat and vegetables simmer slowly in a rich broth, creating deep, complex flavors that have stood the test of time. Each spoonful delivers the essence of traditional French country cooking.
A Timeless One-Pot Wonder
This hearty braised chicken serves as the perfect centerpiece for both casual family dinners and special occasions. The velvety sauce coats each ingredient perfectly, while crusty bread or fluffy rice helps capture every last drop. The gentle cooking process fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts: Cut into large, even pieces
- 2 carrots: Thick-cut diagonal slices
- 2 leeks: Thoroughly cleaned and chopped
- 1 onion: Diced for the aromatics base
- 2 garlic cloves: Minced
- 200g mushrooms: Quartered
- 200ml chicken stock: For braising
- 200ml white wine: Adds depth
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning
- 1 tbsp flour: To thicken sauce
- 1 bouquet garni: Herbs tied together
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: For garnish
Cooking Method
- Brown the Chicken
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown chicken pieces until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Create the Base
- In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic.
- Build the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour, stir well, then deglaze with wine. Let reduce slightly.
- Combine Components
- Add vegetables and bouquet garni. Pour in stock and season.
- Slow Cook
- Return chicken to pot, cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Finish and Serve
- Remove bouquet garni, garnish with parsley, and serve in deep bowls.

Chef's Notes
For maximum flavor, chicken thighs work exceptionally well in this recipe. The vegetable selection can be adjusted based on seasonal availability - try adding turnips or potatoes. For a non-alcoholic version, simply use additional stock instead of wine. This dish pairs particularly well with fresh tagliatelle pasta, which soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this chicken stew in advance?
- Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → What should I serve with chicken stew?
- Crispy bread or creamy mashed potatoes work wonderfully to soak up the sauce. Rice or pasta are great too!
- → Can red wine replace white wine in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use red wine instead. The color and flavor will be different but still incredible.
- → How can I tell if the chicken is done cooking?
- The chicken is ready when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should easily pull apart with a fork.
- → Is it possible to freeze this chicken stew?
- Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before freezing, then reheat gently.