Zimbabwean Chicken and Mushroom Stew
A comforting and flavorful stew featuring tender chicken pieces and earthy mushrooms in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is a popular home-cooked meal in Zimbabwe, often served with sadza (a maize meal porridge).
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs or breast(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 250 g Mushrooms(sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Carrot(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 cup Chicken stock(approximately 240ml)
- 0.5 cup Cream (heavy or whipping)(approximately 120ml)
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the chicken in batches ensures a good sear. - 2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot to the same pot. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-8 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mushrooms. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Whisking continuously prevents lumps from forming. - 6
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the dried thyme. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 7
Stir in the cream and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes💡 Tip: Do not boil after adding the cream, as it may curdle. - 8
Serve hot, traditionally with sadza, rice, or mashed potatoes.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs.
- ✓If you don't have fresh cream, you can use evaporated milk.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Substitute chicken with turkey or pork.