Enjoy a taste of Greece with this flavorful Greek Chicken Stew Stifado. Made with tender chicken thighs, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices, this stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. The chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with cinnamon, cloves, and red wine, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal. This recipe will transport you straight to the Mediterranean!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot and add the diced tomatoes, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the stew to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 1 hour, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Greek Chicken Stew Stifado hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Note: This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated for even more flavor.
- Enjoy your taste of Greece!
Interesting Facts
The word "stifado" comes from the Italian word "stufa" which means "stewpot". It was brought to Greece during the Venetian occupation and has since become a traditional Greek dish.
The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and red wine gives this stew a unique flavor profile that is characteristic of Greek cuisine.
Traditionally, this stew is made with rabbit or beef, but this chicken version is equally delicious and more accessible for most home cooks.