Certain dishes instantly transport you back to home and childhood. This Chicken and Vegetable Stew is one of those meals for me — a simple, comforting Colombian classic my mother made often. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and quick enough to prepare while you cook a pot of white rice.
Chicken and Vegetable Stew
4
Ingredients
- 1-¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon achiote powder (or color)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ pound yuca, peeled and cut into small chunks
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, achiote and cumin.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the scallions and garlic and cook for about 1 minute more.
- Add the chicken, potatoes, yuca and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add the peas, green beans and carrots. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the chicken and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes more. Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
I made this Chicken and Vegetable Stew last week and it turned out exactly as I remembered: comforting, colorful, and flavorful. Small pieces of chicken simmer in a lightly spiced broth with potatoes, yuca and a mix of vegetables. The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner served with white rice to soak up the sauce.
My mother always served it with a generous scoop of rice and an avocado on the side. It’s a simple, family-friendly dish that reliably produces tender chicken and a rich, satisfying sauce. Try it the next time you want something cozy and wholesome.
Buen provecho!
