White Stew is a hearty and creamy dish, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms in a rich, homemade béchamel sauce, with an optional instant cream stew mix for added flavor. It’s easy to prepare and will become a cozy favorite for your family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Vegetables:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2–4 pieces)

  • ½ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for the chicken)

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 head broccoli (4 oz, 120 g)

  • 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (for the broccoli)

  • 1 onion (11 oz, 312 g)

  • 2 carrots (9 oz, 255 g)

  • 2 Yukon gold potatoes (16 oz, 453 g)

  • 6 cremini mushrooms (3 oz, 85 g)

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

  • 2 bay leaves

• For the Homemade White Sauce (Béchamel Sauce):

  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt

  • ⅛ tsp white pepper powder

  • ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

• For the Instant Cream Stew Mix (Optional):

  • 1 box Japanese Cream Stew Mix (skip if making the homemade white sauce)

• For Finishing the Stew:

  • 2 Tbsp heavy (whipping) cream (optional)

  • 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (to taste)

Directions

1. Season the chicken thighs with ½ tsp kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken in a large pot over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms with butter and olive oil. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes.

3. Add the chicken or vegetable stock, bay leaves, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

4. While the vegetables are simmering, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt, ⅛ tsp white pepper, and ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

5. For the optional instant cream stew mix, add it to the pot with the simmered vegetables and stock according to the package instructions.

6. Once the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the white sauce or cream stew mix. Stir to combine, and simmer for another 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.

7. Optional: Stir in the heavy cream for extra richness, and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving (depending on the specific ingredients and portions used)

• Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Dietary Fiber: 5g

  • Sugars: 6g

• Protein: 25g

Enjoy your delicious and creamy White Stew!

The Heart of the Stew: Tender Chicken and Vegetables

The foundation of any great stew lies in its ingredients, and this recipe begins with tender chicken thighs, which provide a rich, juicy texture that complements the other components perfectly. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice for this dish due to their moist and flavorful nature. When cooked until golden brown, they provide a deep, savory base for the stew, making each bite more satisfying. The chicken’s flavor infuses the broth and enhances the overall taste of the stew.

The vegetables play a crucial role in adding both flavor and texture to the dish. Broccoli, carrots, Yukon gold potatoes, and mushrooms contribute a mix of earthy, sweet, and savory notes. Broccoli offers a slight crunch and fresh flavor, while carrots bring natural sweetness. Yukon gold potatoes, known for their creamy texture, absorb the flavors of the stew beautifully. The addition of cremini mushrooms, with their rich umami taste, elevates the dish to a whole new level, adding depth and heartiness. Together, these vegetables create a balance that complements the chicken and white sauce wonderfully.

The Versatility of White Sauce (Béchamel)

One of the standout features of this recipe is the homemade white sauce, or béchamel sauce, that envelops the chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy coating. Béchamel is one of the classic French “mother sauces,” known for its smooth and velvety texture. Made from butter, flour, and milk, this simple sauce is thickened to perfection, creating the ideal base for a creamy stew.

The white sauce adds not only a luscious texture but also a mild flavor that allows the ingredients to shine. Seasoned with salt, white pepper, and a touch of nutmeg, it provides a subtle but delightful seasoning that enhances the other flavors in the dish. This sauce is a true star of the recipe, transforming the stew into something luxurious and comforting.

For those seeking an even quicker route, an optional instant cream stew mix can be used. This ready-made option offers convenience without sacrificing flavor. The Japanese cream stew mix, a popular addition to many home-cooked stews, blends seamlessly with the vegetables and chicken, providing a creamy and flavorful base in a fraction of the time. Both the homemade white sauce and the instant mix give flexibility to the recipe, allowing you to choose your preferred method of preparation.

Building Layers of Flavor

While the white sauce is rich and creamy, the overall depth of flavor in this stew comes from the layering of ingredients. First, browning the chicken thighs creates a caramelized exterior that adds richness to the dish. The fat rendered from the chicken is then used to sauté the vegetables, infusing them with the savory flavors of the meat. Onions, carrots, and potatoes absorb the chicken’s juices, while mushrooms bring their earthy tones to the dish. This initial cooking step sets the stage for the deep, comforting flavor that will develop as the stew simmers.

Adding the chicken or vegetable stock and bay leaves introduces a savory, aromatic layer to the dish. As the vegetables cook in the broth, they soften and release their natural flavors, further enhancing the overall taste. The simmering process allows the broth to become infused with the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and seasonings, creating a rich base that pairs beautifully with the creamy white sauce.

A Creamy Finish for a Luxurious Stew

To finish the dish, the chicken is returned to the pot along with the white sauce or instant cream stew mix. This final step ties the stew together, creating a comforting, cohesive dish. As the stew simmers for a few more minutes, the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and juicy. The vegetables continue to soften, melding into the rich broth, while the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency.

For an added touch of richness, a small amount of heavy cream can be stirred into the stew at the end. This optional addition adds an extra layer of creaminess, making the stew even more luxurious. However, even without the heavy cream, the dish remains incredibly satisfying and indulgent. The seasoning is adjusted with salt to taste, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors.

Nutritional Value and Benefits

White Stew offers a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. The chicken provides a healthy dose of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The vegetables, particularly the potatoes and broccoli, contribute dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Potatoes add a source of carbohydrates for energy, while the mushrooms provide antioxidants and immune-boosting nutrients.

While the stew is creamy, it’s designed to be balanced, with moderate fat content derived from the butter, olive oil, and optional heavy cream. The calories in each serving are reasonable for a filling, hearty meal, and the stew offers a good amount of protein and fiber, making it satisfying and energizing. With the inclusion of vegetables, this dish provides a healthy dose of nutrients, offering more than just comfort—it’s a wholesome meal that supports your overall health.

Making White Stew Your Own

White Stew is highly adaptable, allowing for plenty of customization based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner protein, though thighs tend to provide more flavor and moisture. For a vegetarian version, you could omit the chicken entirely and add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein.

If you have dietary restrictions, the recipe can easily be modified to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Simply substitute gluten-free flour in the béchamel sauce and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk. The heavy cream can also be swapped with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Experimenting with different vegetables is another way to personalize the dish. You can add peas, parsnips, or green beans, or even switch up the type of potatoes. The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent base for various flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

Conclusion

White Stew is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a way that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you choose to make the homemade béchamel sauce or use an instant cream stew mix, this dish offers a flexible and delicious option for family meals or special occasions. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients make it a go-to comfort food for any time of year.

This stew is not only easy to make but also highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the recipe to your tastes and dietary needs. With a balance of protein, vegetables, and creaminess, White Stew is the perfect meal to enjoy with loved ones, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Try this recipe once, and it’s sure to become a beloved part of your cooking repertoire.