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Chicken and Lima Beans Stew: A Hearty Step-by-Step Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken and Lima Beans Stew is a warm, filling, and nourishing dish made with tender chicken, creamy lima beans, vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful broth. It is the kind of meal that feels homemade, simple, and deeply comforting. The chicken becomes soft as it simmers, while the lima beans absorb the savory flavors of garlic, onion, broth, and seasonings.

This stew is perfect for family dinners, cold days, meal prep, or whenever you want a satisfying one-pot meal. It can be served on its own, with rice, cornbread, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Why This Stew Is Special

Lima beans have a naturally creamy texture, which makes them perfect for stew. When cooked slowly with chicken and vegetables, they help create a rich, thick, and comforting broth without needing too much cream or flour.

The chicken adds protein and savory flavor, while the vegetables bring sweetness and balance. The result is a rustic, hearty stew that tastes like it has been simmering all day.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 ½ pounds chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into pieces
2 cups lima beans, fresh, frozen, or soaked dried beans
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup water, if needed
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste, optional
1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Optional Add-Ins

1 diced potato
1 cup corn
½ cup peas
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 smoked turkey leg or smoked sausage for extra flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Lima Beans

If you are using frozen lima beans, rinse them briefly and set them aside. They can go directly into the stew.

If you are using fresh lima beans, rinse them well and check for any damaged beans.

If you are using dried lima beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them before cooking. Soaking helps them cook faster and gives them a softer texture.

Dried beans take longer than frozen beans, so the cooking time may need to be extended.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Chicken thighs are best for stew because they stay juicy and tender during simmering. Chicken breast also works, but it should not be overcooked because it can become dry.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. The goal is to create color and flavor.

Remove the browned chicken from the pot and place it on a plate.