Bright & Hearty No-Boil Tomato Chicken Stew
Effortless and Flavorful No-Boil Tomato Chicken Stew
This is a wonderfully light and deeply flavorful no-boil tomato chicken stew that anyone can easily make. By cooking with the natural moisture from the ingredients, it captures their essence and nutrients beautifully. It’s perfect for a delightful brunch, a special anniversary meal, or an excellent pairing with beer or wine.
Main Ingredients- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (approx. 230g)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium potato
- 1/4 onion
- 1/8 carrot
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 mini red bell pepper
- 4 Tbsp ketchup
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all ingredients fresh.
Step 2
– Make shallow cross-shaped scores on the non-stem end of the tomatoes. Place them in a bowl and pour hot water over them (from a water purifier or kettle). Let them sit for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This method is easier than boiling and perfectly loosens the skins. Waiting until all other ingredients are prepped before peeling the tomatoes helps with timing.
Step 3
– Cut the chicken breast into approximately 3cm cubes and season with a pinch of salt and a little black pepper. – Thinly slice the garlic. – Dice the onion and carrot into about 1cm pieces. Dice the potato and red bell pepper into about 2cm pieces. – Peel the tomatoes that were soaked in hot water and cut them into large, bite-sized cubes.
Step 4
– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 5
– Once the garlic turns a light golden color, add the diced onion, potato, carrot, red bell pepper, and the seasoned chicken cubes to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir-fry until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside.
Step 6
– When the chicken has changed color on the surface, add the cubed tomatoes and 2 bay leaves. Stir everything together to combine evenly. Then, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to very low, and let it simmer gently using the natural moisture released by the ingredients. It’s important to open the lid occasionally and stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Step 7
– As the tomatoes break down and the sauce begins to thicken, stir in the 4 tablespoons of ketchup. Continue to simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This slow cooking process helps the stew achieve its rich consistency.
Step 8
– Once the stew has reached your desired thick consistency, season with salt to taste and finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Step 9
Tip: If the stew tastes too tart, add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 10
Serve with toasted bread or a baguette for a complete and satisfying ‘Bright & Hearty No-Boil Tomato Chicken Stew’ experience!