Get My Top 25 Viral Recipes!
A Southern Soul Recipes

Southern Style Chicken Stew

Headshot of a smiling woman with short, layered brown hair wearing a cream-colored top in a bright kitchen settingbyDonya Mullins
Make Southern Style Chicken Stew for cozy comfort that tastes like grandma's kitchen. Easy one-pot recipe, ready in 45 minutes. Try it tonight
No ratings yet
117 Comments
Jump to Recipe Pin
Creamy chicken stew 9 in brown-rimmed bowl with spoon, topped with black pepper and orange zest garnish

5 Star Reader Comment

Perfect! This is how my grandma used to make it! I’ve been looking for this recipe for over five years!

Elaine
Bowl of creamy chicken stew with shredded chicken and black pepper, a spoon resting inside the bowl ready to serve.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission. (Privacy Policy)

Why This Simple Stew Holds a Special Place in My Heart

Donya Mullins, creator of A Southern Soul food blog

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying many a bowl of this amazing chicken stew recipe. From church socials to Fall fundraisers, this old-school recipe has stood the test of time. What’s funny about this recipe is that for the longest time, I couldn’t find a single “written down” version of how to make a creamy chicken stew. And, when I asked my family and friends for instructions, the answer was always, “boil a chicken, add stock and milk, thicken it with flour and butter, season with salt and pepper.” That was it.

So, I finally did what every good Southern cook has to do—I wrote it down. And I’m so glad I did, because now I get to share it with you.

This easy chicken stew recipe, Southern-style, is a time-honored dish that anyone can learn to make. It’s best served steaming hot with saltines, Spicy Crackers, or a slice of Cornbread. You can add a dash of hot sauce if you want to get fancy. This is comfort food made with love.

XO,

Donya

Donya’s Tips & Things to Know

Make-ahead friendly. This stew holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats well.

Don’t skip the two-step milk process. The first addition with flour and butter thickens, the second makes it creamy.

Want a richer stew? Swap half the milk for half-and-half.

Add-ins are optional. Traditional Southern chicken stew keeps it plain, but a handful of peas or corn can stretch it further.

This hearty stew, like my Crock Pot Ham And Potato Soup or Bloody Mary Chili, is an easy-to-make favorite my family can’t get enough of.

Overhead view of chicken stew ingredients on a wooden table: whole raw chicken, chicken stock, whole milk, butter, flour, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients Needed To Make Creamy Chicken Stew

  • Chicken – one whole chicken (around 3 pounds), pieces, or chicken breasts.
  • Chicken stock – adds depth and richness.
  • All-purpose flour – helps thicken the stew.
  • Whole milk – used twice for both the slurry and creamy finish.
  • Butter – for that silky texture.
  • Salt and black pepper – the simple seasonings that make this stew shine.
Four-step collage showing how to make creamy chicken stew. Step 1: shredded chicken in a pot with broth. Step 2: adding a flour and milk mixture. Step 3: pouring in more milk to thicken. Step 4: ladle of finished creamy chicken stew sprinkled with pepper.

How To Make Southern Chicken Stew

  1. Place the chicken in a large stockpot and cover with water. Simmer until tender – about an hour (for full instructions on how to stew chicken, scroll down.) Remove and reserve 2 cups of the cooking liquid. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and shred the meat. Return it to the pot with the reserved liquid and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and butter to make a slurry. Stir it into the pot until incorporated.
  3. Add the remaining milk, then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Taste, adjust, and serve piping hot with crackers or cornbread.

People Often Ask

Is milk used twice in the recipe?

Yes, it is. The first is to make a paste with butter and flour to help thicken the chicken stock, and the second is to make the stew creamy. Trust me, this is a process that works!

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?

Yes! A mix of breasts and thighs works beautifully. Just remember breasts cook a little faster, so keep an eye out when simmering.

Can I freeze Southern chicken stew?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Sure. Add sauteed carrots, onion, celery, corn, garlic, or bell pepper.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Allow the chicken stew to cook, then transfer it to an airtight container then place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

How do I make it in the Instant Pot?

Cook the chicken on high pressure with stock and seasonings for about 20 minutes. Release, shred, then add the slurry and milk on sauté mode until creamy.

Close-up of creamy chicken stew in a bowl, with chunks of chicken and black pepper sprinkled on top, a spoon resting inside.

Craving More? Try These Chicken Recipes

You Might Also Like

Classic, "Southern Style" recipe has been around for generations. It's full of tender chicken in a creamy broth seasoned with salt and pepper. It's simple, straightforward and absolutely delicious! 

Southern Style Chicken Stew

No ratings yet
Author: Donya Mullins
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 73kcal
Print Pin Rate
This classic, “Southern Style” recipe has been around for generations. It’s full of tender chicken in a creamy broth seasoned with salt and pepper. It’s simple, straightforward, and absolutely delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 3 pound chicken – whole, pieces or just chicken breasts
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Add chicken to a large stockpot with enough water to cover. Simmer until tender, about an hour. Remove from the pot, reserving 2 cup of cooking liquid.
  • When chicken is cool enough to handle, remove skin and meat. Discard skin. Shred meat and return it to the cooking liquid. Add chicken stock then bring liquid to a simmer.
  • In a small bowl or cup, mix together flour, milk and butter. Gently spoon into simmering liquid and stir until incorporated. Add milk and stir. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot with a dash of hot sauce if desired and saltine crackers.
  • ***This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.

Nutrition

Calories: 73kcal · Carbohydrates: 6g · Protein: 3g · Fat: 4g · Saturated Fat: 2g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g · Monounsaturated Fat: 1g · Trans Fat: 0.05g · Cholesterol: 12mg · Sodium: 334mg · Potassium: 146mg · Fiber: 0.1g · Sugar: 4g · Vitamin A: 136IU · Vitamin C: 0.1mg · Calcium: 78mg · Iron: 0.2mg
Classic, "Southern Style" recipe has been around for generations. It's full of tender chicken in a creamy broth seasoned with salt and pepper. It's simple, straightforward and absolutely delicious! 
Did you make this?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
Tag on Insta Leave a Rating

How To Serve

I love serving this stew straight from the pot while it’s still piping hot, with roast beef and cheese sliders or Mom’s egg salad sandwiches. On chilly days, I’ll round out the meal with a Mediterranean pasta salad or Southern green beans and potatoes.

How To Stew Chicken On The Stove Top

  • In a large stock pot, combine the chicken with enough water or chicken broth to cover it—season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
  • Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, partially covering the pot. Allow the chicken to cook for 1-2 hours, or until tender, occasionally skimming off any foam or fat if you want.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the heat. Let the chicken cool, then shred. Use in chicken stew, chicken soup, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, or Easy Chicken Chili.

If you tried this Southern Style Chicken Stew Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!

Top 25 Viral Recipes: A Southern Soul Collection

My New eBook!

Top 25 Viral Recipes

Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding a busy family, or filling your home with friends, I’m cheering you on from my kitchen. I hope this eBook brings you comfort, creativity, and plenty of delicious moments around your table.

See What’s Inside
Crispy pan-seared chicken breast with creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed broccolini on a speckled plate for Easy Valentine's Day Dinner for

Southern Traditions: Timeless Recipes to Make, Share, and Love!

GET THIS FREE GUIDE: Southern dishes with easy prep and timeless flavor in every bite.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




117 Comments

    2. Can you please tell me if the 1/2 cup of milk in this recipe is carnation milk since it calls for two cups of whole milk also?

      Reply

      1. Hey John!
        I don’t use condensed milk in this recipe but you could when mixing it with the flour and butter. It’s your choice.
        I hope you enjoy the recipe. Let me know!
        Have a great day,
        ~Donya

      1. Hey there.
        Per the recipe “In a small bowl or cup, mix together flour, milk and butter.” This makes a sort of paste that you’ll add to the stock THEN add the milk to make the stew.
        I hope this helps.
        Enjoy the recipe!
        ~Donya

      1. Hey there Melissa!
        Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe as well as my Ranch Fire Cracker recipe! I couldn’t agree with you more, the Ranch Fire Crackers are the perfect pairing for this Southern Chicken Stew. I really appreciate your kind words of support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please let me know and I’d be happy to help!
        ~Donya

  4. I have question. You said reserve 2 cups chicken liquid is that what you add chicken back too as cooking liquid? Then add chicken stock? Want to make this just making sure reading correct! Looks yummy!

    Reply

      1. Hey Sharon and Jennifer,
        Sorry for the confusion. The reserved liquid from the cooked chicken is used plus the 2 cups of stock. I’ll update the recipe to make it clear.
        Thanks for your patience,
        ~Donya

    1. What a great twist on a classic recipe. I love your idea, Sherri! Keep those good ideas coming.
      Happy 2019!
      XO,
      ~Donya

      Reply

      1. 5 stars
        Hi Donya,
        Thank you for sharing your Chicken Stew recipe. I made it tonight and it was delicious. I followed your recipe
        exactly and it was so simple to make.
        I will definitely be making this again in the near future.

      2. Hey there Annette!
        Wow! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Southern Chicken Stew is the epitome of cozy comfort food! Thank you so much for your fantastic rating and your kind words of support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please feel free to reach out!
        ~Donya

  6. How do you combine flour, milk and butter in a bowl? Do you melt the butter or leave it in a lump? Once I get that figured out, I’ll be trying this one.

    Reply

    1. 5 stars
      This was perfect on a Montana winter’s day..29° at 11:30AM..I ate it while looking out over the Ruby..with plain ol’ Saltines..it’s a keeper

      Reply

      1. Hey there!
        I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, it’s total comfort food, perfect for a 29 degree day! Thank you so much for your support and this fantastic rating, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please feel free to reach out!
        ~Donya

Clicky