Easy Chicken and Chorizo Stew

If you’re craving something cozy, bold, and deeply satisfying, this easy chicken and chorizo stew delivers in every spoonful. Inspired by Spanish flavors, it combines smoky chorizo, tender chicken, and hearty chickpeas in a rich tomato-based sauce that feels like comfort food with a little attitude. It’s the kind of one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights but special enough for a relaxed weekend meal with friends or family.

Warm, filling, and packed with flavor, this chicken and chorizo stew is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal with minimal cleanup
• Bold, smoky flavors thanks to chorizo and paprika
• Hearty and nutritious with chickpeas and vegetables
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
• Great with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad

Ingredients

• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  Used to sauté and build flavor from the start
• Chorizo (5 oz / 150 g, sliced)
  Adds smoky, spicy depth and richness
• Boneless chicken thighs (1 lb / 450 g)
  Stay juicy and tender during simmering
• Onion (1 large, diced)
  Forms the savory base of the stew
• Red bell pepper (1, diced)
  Adds sweetness and color
• Green bell pepper (1, diced)
  Brings balance and mild bitterness
• Garlic (2 large cloves, chopped)
  Adds aromatic punch
• Dried oregano (½ tsp)
  Classic Mediterranean flavor
• Dried thyme (½ tsp)
  Adds earthy warmth
• Ground cumin (½ tsp)
  Enhances the stew with subtle spice
• Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon)
  Deepens the smoky, Spanish-style flavor
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  Intensifies the tomato richness
• Dry red wine (⅓ cup / 75 ml)
  Adds depth and complexity
• Chickpeas (1 can, 14 oz / 400 g, drained and rinsed)
  Make the stew hearty and fiber-rich
• Tomato sauce / passata (1 cup / 200 ml)
  Forms the base of the stew
• Chicken stock (1 cup / 250 ml)
  Adds savory body to the sauce
• Fresh parsley (¼ cup / 20 g, chopped)
  Brightens the dish at the end
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
  Balances all the flavors

How to Make Easy Chicken and Chorizo Stew

Brown the Chorizo

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly crispy and the oil is infused with flavor. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the same pot. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside with the chorizo.

Build the Flavor Base

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Deglaze and Enrich

Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the red wine. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly.

Simmer the Stew

Return the chicken and chorizo to the pot. Add the chickpeas, tomato sauce, and chicken stock. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

Brown the chorizo first to release its smoky oils
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results
Let the stew simmer gently to avoid drying out the chicken
Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed

Equipment Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife

Recipe Variations

• Extra spicy: Use spicy chorizo or add chili flakes
• Low-carb: Skip the chickpeas and add zucchini or spinach
• No wine: Replace red wine with extra chicken stock
• Extra veggies: Add carrots or potatoes for a heartier stew

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Pair with steamed rice or mashed potatoes
Add a simple green salad on the side for freshness

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze chicken and chorizo stew?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.

What type of chorizo should I use?
Spanish-style cured chorizo works best for smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

This easy chicken and chorizo stew is comfort food with bold personality. Rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it warm, share it generously, and enjoy every cozy bite.

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