Ingredients for Turmeric Chicken Stew
For the Chicken Stew
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx 1 ½ pounds, cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 2-3 tbsp avocado oil (divided)
- 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1” cubes)
- 1 medium onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 1 medium carrot (diced, about ½ cup)
- 1 celery stalk (diced, about ½ cup)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1” knob of ginger (minced)
- 2 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups chicken bone broth
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Turmeric Chicken Stew
1. Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of avocado oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the remaining avocado oil.
- Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Add Garlic, Ginger, and Spices
- Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Simmer
- Pour in the chicken bone broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add the bay leaf and sweet potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Thicken the Stew
- In a small bowl, mix arrowroot starch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the pot while stirring continuously.
6. Add Coconut Milk and Spinach
- Stir in the full can of coconut milk and chopped baby spinach.
- Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the spinach is wilted, and the stew thickens.
7. Finish with Apple Cider Vinegar
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with crusty bread or rice for a heartier meal.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Stew
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the chicken adds rich flavor to the stew. Don’t skip this step!
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash or regular potatoes.
- Extra Creamy: For a richer texture, add more coconut milk or a splash of heavy cream.
- Add Heat: If you like spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions!