Mediterranean Chicken Stew (One-Pot Meal)
This Mediterranean chicken stew is a cozy one-pot dish full of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and bold flavors. The combination of herbs, lemon, and a touch of feta makes it hearty yet bright. It’s a complete meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
800 g boneless chicken thighs, diced
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 carrots, sliced
1 zucchini (optional), diced
½ cup crushed tomatoes
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)
5 cups chicken stock
2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
2 medium potatoes, diced
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup crumbled feta (for garnish)
Crusty bread, to serve
Instructions
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then sear until golden brown on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the white wine (or extra stock), scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Build the stew: Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken stock, oregano (or Italian seasoning), and potatoes. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Simmer: Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are tender and chicken is fully cooked through. Add zucchini in the last 10 minutes of cooking so it stays slightly firm.
Finish: Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and serve with warm crusty bread.
Tips
Brown the chicken well: This adds depth of flavor to the broth. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing.
Cut veggies evenly: Keeping carrots, potatoes, and zucchini similar in size ensures they cook at the same rate.
Add lemon at the end: This keeps the stew bright and fresh without turning bitter.
Taste before serving: Since feta adds saltiness, adjust seasoning after garnishing.
Make ahead: The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Variations
Protein swaps: Use boneless chicken breasts, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes, smoked paprika, or harissa for more heat.
Add grains: Stir in orzo, farro, or cooked rice during the last 10 minutes to make it heartier.
Extra veggies: Artichoke hearts, spinach, kale, or bell peppers fit beautifully into this dish.
Broth upgrade: Replace part of the chicken stock with a splash of tomato passata for a deeper tomato base.
Cheese swap: Try grated Parmesan or goat cheese instead of feta for a different finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Yes. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock or water if it thickens too much.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. For best results, add fresh parsley and feta after reheating, not before freezing.
Q: Can I make it without wine?
A: Yes. Simply replace the wine with extra chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Q: How can I make it vegetarian?
A: Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Q: What can I serve it with besides bread?
A: It’s great with couscous, rice, quinoa, or even over mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~365
Protein: 29g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: ~690mg
(Values may vary depending on stock, feta, and portion size.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Stew is hearty, flavorful, and nourishing while staying fresh and vibrant thanks to lemon, parsley, and feta. It’s a flexible recipe you can adjust with seasonal vegetables, grains, or different proteins, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners. With its one-pot simplicity and Mediterranean balance of comfort and brightness, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to often.