Samad: Lina, this might be the ultimate cottage recipe. One pot, cozy vibes, and it basically cooks itself.
Lina: You had me at one pot. If you’re searching for cottage recipes easy, this one is foolproof. Minimal cleanup and maximum comfort sign me up.
Samad: Plus, you can toss it together with pantry staples or whatever’s left in the cooler. Classic simple cottage meals move.
Lina: Whether you’re lakeside in Muskoka or just dreaming of it from your apartment in Toronto, this recipe tastes like a weekend getaway.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Cottage Chicken Stew
Samad: OK, let’s break it down. Here’s why this stew makes our top list of easy cottage recipes:
- One pot = less cleanup, more dock time
- Ready in under an hour
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Cozy, creamy, and packed with flavour
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep win
Lina: Plus, it reheats beautifully. Just scoop out a bowl, warm it up, and you’ve got comfort on demand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lina: Nothing fancy here. We keep it rustic and real.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless), chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: peas, corn, or a handful of spinach
Samad: Pro tip swap in leftover turkey or even canned beans if you’re low on chicken.
You can also try something like this cheesy one-pot ground beef rice if you want to mix things up!
How to Make It (In One Pot!)
Sauté the Base
Samad: Heat your olive oil in a big ol’ pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook ‘til it smells like heaven about 5–6 minutes.
Add Chicken & Spuds
Lina: In go the chopped chicken and potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir everything around so it gets to know each other.
Simmer That Goodness
Samad: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The potatoes should be tender and the chicken perfectly cooked.
Creamy Finish
Lina: Stir in the milk or cream and simmer for another 5–10 minutes. If you’ve got peas or spinach, toss them in now. The stew should be thick, creamy, and dreamy.
Serve & Sigh
Samad: Ladle it into bowls, grab a crusty roll or slice of buttered sourdough, and enjoy. Maybe by a fire. Maybe with flannel on.
Cottage Cooking Tips
Lina: A few extra cottage cooking tricks from our kitchen to yours:
- Make it ahead: It tastes even better the next day.
- Cooler-friendly: Pre-chop veggies at home and store in Ziplocks.
- No fridge? Use UHT milk or powdered milk in a pinch works just fine.
Samad: And if you’ve got a fire pit and Dutch oven, this stew works over open flames too. Talk about real cottage vibes.
What to Serve with This Cozy Stew
Samad: You don’t need much with this stew, but let’s be honest it loves good company.
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- A light green salad with vinaigrette
- Pickles (trust us, that tang cuts the cream perfectly)
- A glass of chilled cider or hot tea
Lina: Or go full comfort and pair it with a warm buttered biscuit. You’re at the cottage, live a little.
Storage + Reheating
Lina: This stew is basically a gift that keeps on giving.
- Fridge: Keeps for 3–4 days in a sealed container
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Samad: And yeah, it’s totally road-trip-friendly. Reheat on a camp stove or portable burner and you’re golden.
FAQ: Cottage Chicken Stew Edition
1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Lina: Yep! Just swap the chicken for white beans or lentils, and use veggie broth.
2. Is this gluten-free?
Samad: It is! Just double-check your broth and add-ins to be sure. No flour needed here.
3. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Lina: Totally. Sauté the veggies first, then dump everything (except the cream) into the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours, then stir in cream at the end.
4. What if I don’t have cream?
Samad: No worries. Use whole milk, evaporated milk, or even coconut milk for a twist.
5. Best veggies to throw in?
Lina: We love it with peas, spinach, corn, or even diced zucchini. Cottage cooking = use what you’ve got!
Final Thoughts from the Cottage Kitchen
Lina: We hope this recipe brings a little joy to your table, wherever you’re cooking from.
Samad: And don’t forget the best meals are the ones shared with family. Preferably in sweatpants.
Creamy One-Pot Cottage Chicken Stew
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 3 potatoes diced
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tsp thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- peas, corn, spinach optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–6 minutes.
- Add chicken, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25–30 minutes.
- Stir in milk or cream. Add any optional veggies. Simmer another 5–10 minutes.
- Serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk.
Add herbs like parsley or dill for an extra flavour hit.
