Waterzooi of Chicken with Leeks and Herbs
A comforting and creamy Belgian stew featuring tender chicken, leeks, and a medley of fresh herbs in a rich, velvety broth. This dish is a classic example of Flemish home cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 large Leeks(white and light green parts only, thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 30 g Butter
- 750 ml Chicken broth
- 150 ml Heavy cream
- 2 large Egg yolks
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Fresh chives(chopped)
- 1 tsp Fresh tarragon(chopped (optional))
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add chicken and broth: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Thicken the stew: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg yolks. Gradually temper the cream mixture by slowly whisking in about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot. Pour the tempered cream mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the stew thickens slightly. Do not boil.
💡 Tip: Tempering the egg yolks prevents them from scrambling. - 4
Add herbs and season: Stir in the chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
💡 Tip: Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their flavor and color. - 5
Serve: Ladle the hot waterzooi into bowls. It is traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken stock made from roasted chicken bones.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water before adding the cream mixture.
- ✓Ensure the leeks are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute fish or shrimp for chicken for a seafood version.
- Add a handful of peas or green beans in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- A splash of white wine can be added with the chicken broth for added depth of flavor.