Hearty Chicken Sausage And Mushroom Stew: A Flavorful One-Pot Wonder

Introduction

When the weather turns cool or you’re simply craving something deeply satisfying, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty chicken sausage and mushroom stew. This rustic, soul-warming dish brings together the smoky richness of chicken sausage with the earthy depth of mushrooms, all simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth that will have you reaching for crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

What makes this chicken sausage and mushroom stew truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The chicken sausage provides protein and savory seasoning all in one, while various mushroom varieties contribute their unique textures and umami flavors. Add in aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a splash of wine, and you’ve got a stew that tastes like it’s been cooking all day, even when it comes together in just over an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chicken sausage and mushroom stew recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients for Chicken Sausage And Mushroom Stew

Ingredients	Amount
Chicken sausage links	1.5 pounds, sliced into rounds
Mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, button)	1.5 pounds, sliced
Yellow onion	1 large, diced
Carrots	3 medium, diced
Celery	3 stalks, diced
Garlic	4 cloves, minced
Fresh thyme	4 sprigs
Fresh rosemary	1 sprig
Bay leaves	2
Chicken broth	4 cups
Dry white wine	1 cup
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	3 tablespoons
Olive oil	3 tablespoons
Butter	2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce	1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon (plus more to taste)
Black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Fresh parsley	1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Information	Per Serving
Calories	385
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	890mg
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Iron	15% DV
Calcium	6% DV
Vitamin A	80% DV
Vitamin C	15% DV

Serving size: 1/6 of the chicken sausage and mushroom stew

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables

1. If using chicken sausage links with casings, remove them if desired. Slice the sausage into 1/2-inch rounds.
2. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel (do not soak them) and slice them uniformly. If using shiitake mushrooms, remove and discard the stems.
3. Prepare the mirepoix by dicing the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces.
4. Mince the garlic and set aside.
5. Tie the thyme and rosemary sprigs together with kitchen twine to create an herb bundle that’s easy to remove later.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. The sausage doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point.
3. Remove the browned sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

1. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Remove the mushrooms from the pot and set aside with the sausage.

Step 4: Create the Stew Base

1. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
5. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine, cooking for another minute to caramelize slightly.
6. Slowly pour in the white wine while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Simmer the Stew

1. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
2. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, herb bundle, and bay leaves.
3. Return the browned sausage and mushrooms to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
4. Bring the chicken sausage and mushroom stew to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
5. Cover partially with a lid and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Remove the herb bundle and bay leaves.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the chicken sausage and mushroom stew from heat.
2. Stir in half of the chopped parsley.
3. Ladle the hot stew into bowls and garnish with the remaining parsley.
4. Serve this comforting chicken sausage and mushroom stew immediately with your choice of sides.

Serving Suggestions

This robust chicken sausage and mushroom stew creates a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the dining experience. Here are some delicious ways to serve your chicken sausage and mushroom stew:

• Ladle this hearty chicken sausage and mushroom stew over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal
• Serve with a chunk of crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread for dipping into the savory broth
• For a lighter meal, pair your chicken sausage and mushroom stew with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette
• Offer a side of steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables to add more nutritional value to your stew dish
• For a traditional approach, serve the chicken sausage and mushroom stew with buttered egg noodles or rice to absorb the delicious sauce
• Consider a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese as finishing touches to each serving

The chicken sausage and mushroom stew recipe works beautifully for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Its rustic presentation and complex flavors make it suitable for any occasion, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Sausage And Mushroom Stew

Elevate your chicken sausage and mushroom stew from good to great with these expert tips:

• Choose the right sausage: Select high-quality chicken sausage with flavors that complement mushrooms, such as those containing herbs, garlic, or wine. This meat recipe benefits tremendously from starting with flavorful sausage.
• Mushroom variety matters: For the most complex flavor in your chicken sausage and mushroom stew, use a mix of mushroom types rather than just one. Each variety brings unique texture and taste.
• Don’t rush the browning: Take time to properly brown both the sausage and mushrooms. This crucial step develops depth of flavor in your chicken sausage and mushroom stew that cannot be achieved otherwise.
• Make your own stock: If time permits, homemade chicken stock will take this stew to another level compared to store-bought broth.
• Rest before serving: Allow your chicken sausage and mushroom stew to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the overall taste of the dish.
• Prep ahead option: The flavors in this chicken sausage and mushroom stew actually improve after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

Variations

Looking to customize your chicken sausage and mushroom stew? Here are some delicious alternatives and substitutions:

Creamy Version

Transform this stew by adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier chicken sausage and mushroom stew variation.

Spicy Kick

Add heat to your chicken sausage and mushroom stew with red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or substitute spicy Italian chicken sausage for the regular variety.

Herbal Infusion

Experiment with different herb combinations in your chicken sausage and mushroom stew, such as oregano, sage, or tarragon, to create unique flavor profiles for this versatile meat recipe.

Gluten-Free Alternative

Make your chicken sausage and mushroom stew gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with cornstarch (mixed with cold water) added in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Root Vegetable Boost

Add hearty root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes to your chicken sausage and mushroom stew for additional flavor and nutrition.

Wine Substitution

If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute the wine in your chicken sausage and mushroom stew with additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to maintain flavor complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Sausage And Mushroom Stew

Can I make chicken sausage and mushroom stew ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chicken sausage and mushroom stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop and meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach desired consistency.

Can I freeze this chicken sausage and mushroom stew?

Yes, this chicken sausage and mushroom stew freezes beautifully. Cool the stew completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

What type of chicken sausage works best for this stew recipe?

For this chicken sausage and mushroom stew, look for pre-cooked chicken sausage with complementary flavors like garlic, herbs, or white wine. Italian-style chicken sausage or apple chicken sausage both work wonderfully. If you can only find raw chicken sausage, just ensure it’s fully cooked when browning in the first step.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this chicken sausage and mushroom stew?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of the fresh sprigs. Add them directly to the stew rather than as a bundle. Remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor than fresh ones in chicken sausage and mushroom stew recipes.

How can I thicken my chicken sausage and mushroom stew if it’s too thin?

If your chicken sausage and mushroom stew is thinner than you’d prefer, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir this into the simmering stew and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.

Can I make this chicken sausage and mushroom stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage and mushrooms as directed in the recipe, then transfer to a slow cooker along with the sautéed vegetables and remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken sausage and mushroom stew may be slightly thinner when prepared in a slow cooker, so you might want to thicken it at the end if desired.

What mushrooms work best in chicken sausage and mushroom stew?

A mix of mushrooms creates the most complex flavor profile for chicken sausage and mushroom stew. Cremini (baby portobello) provide earthiness, shiitake add a meaty texture, and button mushrooms absorb flavors well. If you can only use one type, cremini mushrooms are the best all-around choice for this recipe.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for wine in this chicken sausage and mushroom stew?

Absolutely! Replace the white wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to mimic the acidity that wine provides to the chicken sausage and mushroom stew.

Conclusion

Our chicken sausage and mushroom stew recipe brings together the best of comfort food – tender bites of savory chicken sausage, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables, all swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a versatile one-pot wonder that satisfies deeply while remaining relatively simple to prepare. The combination of ingredients in this chicken sausage and mushroom stew creates layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop, making it impressive enough for company yet practical enough for weeknight dinners.

What makes this chicken sausage and mushroom stew particularly special is how it encompasses both rustic charm and sophisticated taste. The careful browning of ingredients, the balanced seasoning, and the slow simmering process all contribute to a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl – exactly what great comfort food should be.

We’d love to hear how your chicken sausage and mushroom stew turned out! Did you try any of our suggested variations? Do you have family adaptations that make this dish extra special? Share your experience in the comments below and become part of our cooking community at www.dailymeatrecipe.com. And don’t forget to explore our extensive collection of meat recipes for more delicious inspiration. From weeknight dinners to special occasion feasts, www.dailymeatrecipe.com is your trusted source for exceptional meat-based recipes that will keep your family coming back for more!