Heart-Healthy Stew Chicken

Warm, flavorful, and loaded with nutrient-rich ingredients, Heart-Healthy Stew Chicken is the perfect wholesome comfort food for any occasion. This one-pot recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs simmered with vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and red bell pepper in a savory low-sodium chicken broth infused with paprika and thyme. Fresh spinach adds a boost of leafy greens, while a garnish of parsley rounds out the dish with a bright, herbaceous finish. Designed with heart health in mind, this stew skips excess salt while delivering big, bold flavors. Ready in just an hour, it's an ideal option for meal prep or a nourishing weeknight dinner. Serve it with whole-grain bread or brown rice for a satisfying, balanced meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 Celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large Red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
• 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in paprika and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the spices' flavors.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add bay leaves, then return the chicken thighs to the pot.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes with the lid partially on.

Step 7

After 25 minutes, remove the bay leaves. Stir in the chopped spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of whole-grain bread or brown rice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2746 grams (2746.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1614

Total Fat 83.80g	107%
Saturated Fat 18.60g	93%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 567mg	189%
Sodium 2383mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 75.80g	28%
Dietary Fiber 25.20g	90%
Total Sugars 39.70g
Protein 142.20g	284%

Vitamin D 32IU	159%
Calcium 623mg	48%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 4864mg	103%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.4%

Protein: 35.0%

Carbs: 18.6%