Dive into the world of comfort-meets-elegance with this Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew, a visually stunning and soul-satisfying dish that transforms classic flavors into a delectable masterpiece. Elevate your mealtime experience as Chef Crenn guides you through this easy-to-follow recipe, where every bite promises to wrap you in the warmth of home and the inspiration of culinary artistry.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
This savory stew is a delightful fusion of comfort and refinement, designed to captivate your senses and elevate your mood. The rich, velvety broth is infused with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy ranch seasoning that will have your taste buds singing. Hearty vegetables and a touch of elegance come together to create a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a showstopping meal to share with loved ones, this Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated blend of ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create a comforting and elevated dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tender texture, along with crispy bacon, creamy ranch seasoning, and a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The broth is the foundation, made with chicken broth and a touch of heavy cream for a luscious, velvety finish.
- 8 oz – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, diced – For aromatic depth
- 3 carrots, sliced – For a sweet, earthy note
- 3 celery stalks, sliced – For a refreshing crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- White Meat: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and elegant Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew in your own kitchen.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the bacon grease until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In the same pan, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they’re softened and fragrant. Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and stir to coat the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the seared chicken back to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces right in the stew. Crumble the reserved bacon and stir it into the stew, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning to your liking.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Ladle the savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of heavy cream for an extra touch of elegance. Serve hot, with crusty bread or biscuits on the side for dipping.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Thicker Stew: Add a cornstarch slurry to the simmering broth for a heartier texture.
- Hearty Additions: Chopped potatoes or diced sweet potatoes can be added for a more substantial meal.
- Instant Pot Method: Sauté the bacon and chicken, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, flaky biscuits, fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day or two in advance, as the flavors only improve with time.
Nutrition Information
This Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is a nourishing and satisfying dish that delivers a balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness. Each serving provides approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of fat, making it a wholesome and comforting option for your family.
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Simply sauté the bacon and chicken as directed, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for the thighs in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, this Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavors only improve as it sits, so you can prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftover stew?
Yes, this stew freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This will still provide a rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
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Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Savory Bacon Ranch Chicken Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for cozy dinners. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups potatoes, diced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, corn, and ranch seasoning.
2.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
6.
7. Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot using two forks and stir to combine.
8.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10.
11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a thicker stew, you can add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg