Alabama Chicken Stew is a traditional dish from North Alabama, dating back to the early 1800s. This hearty stew combines tender chicken with vegetables, thickened naturally by potatoes, offering a rich and comforting meal.

This Alabama Chicken Stew is a traditional dish from North Alabama, dating back to the early 1800s. This hearty stew combines tender chicken with vegetables, thickened naturally by potatoes, offering a rich and comforting meal. balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.

Alabama Chicken Stew is a traditional dish from North Alabama, dating back to the early 1800s. This hearty stew combines tender chicken with vegetables, thickened naturally by potatoes, offering a rich and comforting meal. captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Alabama Chicken Stew is a traditional dish from North Alabama, dating back to the early 1800s. This hearty stew combines tender chicken with vegetables, thickened naturally by potatoes, offering a rich and comforting meal. becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Prepare the Chicken: In a 10-quart stockpot, place the whole chicken, bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Add water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil.
(ingredient 3)

PREPARATION STEPS

Prepare the Chicken: In a 10-quart stockpot, place the whole chicken, bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper
Add water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil.
Cook the Chicken: Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 2 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Discard the skin and bones, then shred the meat.
Prepare the Tomatoes: In a separate dish, crush the canned tomatoes and their juices by hand.
Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the stockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and corn.
Simmer the Stew: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and the potatoes have thickened the stew, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Additional Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories per Serving: 414 kcal
Note: This traditional stew is a staple in North Alabama, often featured in community gatherings and stew sales.

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy

BENEFITS

Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.

OCCASIONS

Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep

VARIATIONS

Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.

PAIRINGS

Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread

STORAGE

Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

TIPS

Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.