Chicken Mushroom Stew (keto, one-pan)
This one-pan keto chicken stew is packed with flavor! Juicy chicken thighs, fresh mushrooms, and a creamy sauce come together for a delicious and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Enjoy it on its own or pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. This great recipe is also easily customizable for whole30, dairy-free, and paleo diets.
The recipe requires:
9 Ingredients
Active cooking time: 30 minutes
Total cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Table of Contents
Why you will love this!
- Tender and juicy chicken simmered in a creamy sauce to perfection.
- High in protein, more than 33 g of protein per serving.
- A delicious meal for low carb diet: this chicken stew keeps you satisfied without spiking blood sugar levels, with only 2 grams total carbs in one serving.
- Everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create a hearty stew and flavorful dish.
- A rich mushroom creamy sauce envelops the chicken, making every bite a luxurious experience.
- Easily adaptable for paleo, whole30, and dairy-free diets (see recipe notes for substitutions).
- Comfort food, perfect for cold weather or anytime you crave a warm hug in a bowl.
Chicken Mushroom Stew Recipe
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients that you’ll need for this recipe*:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – give rich flavor and stay tender after long cooking, perfect for a keto diet.
- Mushrooms – button or cremini mushrooms are both great options.
- Onions – yellow onion, red, or white, pick your favorite.
- Garlic cloves – for a wonderful garlicky flavor.
- Heavy cream – creates a creamy and luscious texture.
- Fat for cooking– I prefer Ghee, but olive oil/avocado oil or coconut oil also work, just add a bit of butter if using them for the richness.
- Dried herbs – use Italian seasoning or individual dried herbs: oregano, basil, thyme (customize your blend).
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Optional add-ins:
- Garlic powder – I like adding it to enhance garlic flavor, but you can skip it or add more fresh garlic.
- Fresh herbs for garnish – chopped dill, parsley, or green onions, add a visual interest and an additional layer of flavor and freshness to the stew.
*you’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below
Equipment
This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, you’ll only need:
- Large cutting board and a sharp knife
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the meat
First, pat the chicken thighs dry and cut into small pieces.
Next, heat ghee over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.
Step 2: Cook the mushrooms
While the chicken sears, slice the mushrooms and the onions. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
In the same pan used for chicken, add the onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant.
Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are golden brown.
TIP: Use an additional pan for cooking the mushrooms if you want to speed up the process and don’t mind extra cleaning.
Step 3: Combine ingredients together
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the seared chicken pieces back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine everything well.
Cover with a lid and simmer the stew for 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly.
Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy a delicious low-carb stew!
Tips for the best results
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches to prevent steaming and ensure a golden brown, flavorful crust.
- Speed Up the Process (Optional): Use a separate pan to cook the mushrooms while the chicken sears. This saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Thoroughly pat the chicken thighs dry before searing. Excess moisture prevents a crispy crust.
- Searing the chicken before adding it to the stew locks in juices and creates a richer flavor base.
- Opt for Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs offer tenderness and juiciness compared to chicken breasts in this slow-cooked stew.
- Prevent Sogginess: Mushrooms absorb water like sponges, so gently clean them with a damp paper towel or brush to prevent sogginess. Rinse briefly under cold running water and tap with paper towels afterward if necessary.
What to serve with chicken mushroom stew?
Here are some delicious recipes that go well with this chicken stew:
- Mashed Cauliflower is a great substitution for classic mashed potatoes and pairs perfectly with creamy stew.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, or zucchini brings out their natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the savory stew.
- Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative to rice is a great way to add fiber to your meal. You can find pre-riced cauliflower in most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini noodles offer a noodle-like experience without the carbs.
- Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a light and refreshing touch.
- Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the stew.
- Keto Bread: Enjoy a slice of keto bread for dipping into the delicious creamy sauce.
FAQ
How to store low carb chicken stew?
Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, portion the stew and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How to make this chicken stew Whole30 and Paleo-friendly?
To make this keto chicken stew Whole30 and Paleo-friendly, we need to swap out only heavy cream, which isn’t allowed on Whole30 or Paleo. You can replace it with a combination of coconut cream/ coconut milk and chicken broth/ chicken stock or bone broth.
How to thicken up the keto stew?
There are several ways to thicken up your keto chicken stew without adding unwanted carbs:
Simmering: The simplest method is to simmer the stew for a longer period. As the liquid evaporates, the sauce will naturally thicken. Keep an eye on it and adjust the heat to prevent burning.
- Xanthan Gum: A powerful thickener that requires minimal amounts (around 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon). It thickens quickly and efficiently, but use it carefully to avoid a slimy texture.
- Cream Cheese: can be stirred into the stew at the end of cooking for a rich and creamy texture. It adds a slightly tangy flavor that complements the savory stew.
TIPS:
- Taste the stew after adding a thickener. You may need to adjust the seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Consider thickening towards the end of cooking. This allows other ingredients to fully cook through before adding thickening agents.
By using these techniques, you can create a delicious and satisfying keto chicken stew with a perfect thick and creamy texture.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tights?
You can definitely use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in your keto chicken stew, but there are some things to consider:
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts:
Chicken thighs are generally considered more flavorful than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. They tend to stay juicier and more tender during longer cooking times, like those required for stews. Chicken breasts can become dry and tough if overcooked. However, with proper cooking techniques, they can still work in a stew.
Add seared chicken breast pieces closer to the end of cooking, they will need about 15 minutes to cook.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Mushroom Stew: nutritional information
Servings: 6
Total carbohydrate 2.1 g
Dietary fiber 1.2 g
Total sugars 0.7 g
Net carbs 0.9 g
Total fat 36.7 g
Saturated fat 19.7 g
Cholesterol 85 mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
More keto recipes to try:
Chicken Mushroom Stew
One-pan keto chicken stew with creamy sauce & fresh mushrooms. Low-carb comfort meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1-1.2 kg (2.2-2.6 lbs.) Boneless chicken thighs
- 500 g (1.1 lbs.) Button mushrooms/cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1-2 Onions, sliced or diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) Heavy cream
- 1 tbsp. Ghee/olive oil/avocado oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tsp. Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1 tsp. Garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh dill or parsley to garnish (optional), chopped
Instructions
- Pat dry your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat ghee over medium-high heat in a large pan. Add the chicken pieces, leaving space between them. This allows for even browning without excess moisture steaming them. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan to the plate, and set aside.
- While the chicken sears, slice the mushrooms and the onions. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In the same pan used for chicken, add the onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are golden brown.
- Once the mushrooms are browned, add the browned chicken pieces back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine everything well.
- Cover with a lid and simmer the stew for 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stew to thicken slightly.
Enjoy delicious keto chicken stew!