This creamy, comforting stew is pure nostalgia—tender chicken, hearty potatoes, and sweet corn simmered in a rich, buttery broth just like Mama used to make. Serve with saltines for the full Southern experience!
Why You’ll Love It
❤️ Homemade love – Starts with from-scratch chicken broth.
🍲 Creamy without cream – Evaporated milk makes it luxe and pantry-friendly.
⏳ Simmered slow & low – Deep flavor, no curdling.
🏡 Feeds a crowd – Perfect for Sunday supper or potlucks.
Ingredients
*(Serves 6-8)*
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2 lbs bone-in chicken breasts (or 1 whole chicken)
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2 large potatoes, diced (or 1 can diced potatoes, drained)
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1 can (15 oz) white whole kernel corn, drained
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1 onion, diced
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2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
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½ cup (1 stick) butter
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Water (for broth)
Optional:
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Dash of hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Broth
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Cover chicken with water in a large pot. Simmer 45 mins until cooked.
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Remove chicken, reserve broth. Shred meat, discard bones.
2. Build the Stew
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Return shredded chicken to pot with 4 cups broth.
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Add potatoes, corn, onion, butter, and seasonings.
3. Simmer Gently
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Stir in evaporated milk. Heat on low (do NOT boil) for 30 mins, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
4. Serve
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Ladle into bowls with extra pepper. Serve with saltines or cornbread!
Pro Tips
🔸 Broth booster: Add a carrot, celery stalk, and bay leaf while simmering chicken.
🔸 No bone-in chicken? Use rotisserie chicken + 4 cups store-bought broth.
🔸 Thicker stew: Mash some potatoes against the pot.
Variations
🌽 Cornbread dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of batter on stew last 15 mins.
🌶 Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne.
🍗 Turkey swap: Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Storage
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Fridge: Up to 3 days (reheat gently).
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Freeze: Without milk/butter for 3 months (add fresh when reheating).
Serving Ideas
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Sunday dinner: With collard greens and biscuits.
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Sick-day comfort: With ginger ale and a grilled cheese sandwich.
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Potluck star: Keep warm in a slow cooker.
Final Thought
This stew tastes like a hug from Mama—simple ingredients, big flavor, and memories in every spoonful.
More Southern Classics to Try:
🥧 Chicken & Dumplings
🌿 Creole Gumbo
🍞 Buttermilk Cornbread