Veggie chicken stew

Veggie chicken stew features tender chicken thighs paired with pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and green beans, simmered in a richly spiced sauce. This wholesome dish is perfect for a family meal, offering a comforting and nutritious option.

15 Feb 2026
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken thighs
1 onion
3 cups pumpkin
2 cups spinach
8 oz broccoli
1/2 cup green beans

Veggie chicken stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that incorporates a variety of vegetables to enhance its flavor and nutritional value. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with an assortment of veggies including pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and green beans, all cooked in a rich, buttery sauce. It's perfect for a wholesome family meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the onion, peel and dice the pumpkin, chop the spinach, cut the broccoli into small florets, and trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces.

2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion.
- Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add Spices and Tomato Puree:
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the pan. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to release their aromas.
- Pour in the tomato puree and mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Incorporate the Vegetables and Chicken:
- Add the diced pumpkin, broccoli florets, and green beans to the pan. Stir to combine with the sauce.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan.
- Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together.

6. Simmer:
- Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Add Spinach:
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach. Allow it to wilt and integrate into the sauce.

8. Serve:
- Once everything is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the chicken stew over cooked rice or with naan bread.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Creating a veggie chicken stew not only adds a burst of flavors and textures but also significantly boosts the nutritional profile of the dish. With these tips and careful preparation, you'll be able to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that delights both your taste buds and your health.

Veggie chicken stew FAQ:

What is the cooking time for the veggie chicken stew?

The total cooking time for the veggie chicken stew is approximately 30-35 minutes. This includes about 5-7 minutes for browning the chicken, 3-4 minutes for sautéing the onion, 1-2 minutes for cooking the spices, and 20-25 minutes for simmering the stew with the vegetables.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, the meat should no longer be pink in the center and should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

Can I substitute the chicken thighs with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breast or turkey thighs. Adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

How should I store leftovers of the stew?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; just ensure it is cooled completely before freezing.

What can I use instead of pumpkin in this recipe?

If you don’t have pumpkin, you can substitute it with butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a similar texture and flavor. Both alternatives will work well in the stew.

Cooking Tips:

- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.

- Make sure to finely chop the onion to allow it to blend well with the other ingredients.

- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture, but frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative.

- Cut the pumpkin into small cubes to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly.

- Blanch the green beans and broccoli briefly before adding them to retain their color and crunch.

- For a richer sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt towards the end of cooking.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 290kcal
Protein 20g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 3.59g
Sugar 7g
Fat 20g

Veggie chicken stew