As the leaves begin to change and a chill fills the air, I find myself craving comforting meals that warm both body and soul. That’s when I first decided to whip up a hearty Chicken Matzo Ball Stew, a dish that instantly filled my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spices like ginger and nutmeg. This all-in-one wonder is reminiscent of my favorite childhood soups, but with a unique twist: fluffy matzo balls that soak up the rich, savory broth.
Remembering the joy of family gatherings, this stew serves not just as a meal, but as a bridge to cherished moments, especially with Thanksgiving leftovers in mind. Imagine using tender, flavorful turkey instead of chicken, transforming your holiday remnants into something new and delightful. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with minimal fuss, this rustic dish offers that perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, all from one pot. So, grab your favorite cooking pot and let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to rekindle those loving memories.
Why will you love this Chicken Matzo Ball Stew?
Comforting goodness: This hearty stew is a warm embrace on chilly nights, bringing back memories of family gatherings over the dinner table.
Fluffy matzo balls: The light and airy texture of matzo balls elevates this dish, absorbing the rich, savory broth flawlessly.
Simple one-pot meal: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to savor quality time with family or friends.
Versatile option: Customize your stew by using leftover turkey or different seasonal vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion!
Aromatic spices: Infused with the warm essence of ginger and nutmeg, this dish tantalizes your taste buds, reminding you why comfort food holds a special place in your heart.
Time-saving: Perfect for busy weeknights or festive celebrations, this stew is designed for easy make-ahead preparation, giving you more time to enjoy life.
Chicken Matzo Ball Stew Ingredients
For the Stew
• Olive Oil – Adds richness and prevents sticking; schmaltz can be substituted for extra flavor.
• Onion – Provides sweetness and depth; use yellow or white onion for best results.
• Celery – Adds crunch and aroma; no substitution necessary for the authentic taste.
• Turnip/Parsnip – Adds earthy flavor; can be swapped with carrots if preferred.
• Salt – Enhances all flavors in the dish; adjust to taste for a perfect balance.
• Cut-up Chicken (about 4 pounds) – Main protein source for the stew; leftover turkey works wonderfully as a substitute.
• Carrots – Bring sweetness and color to the stew; fresh or frozen both work well.
• Peas – Add sweetness and visual appeal; frozen peas are a great option.
• Parsley/Dill – Used for garnishing, imparting freshness; cilantro can be used as a substitute if desired.
For the Matzo Balls
• Eggs – Essential for binding matzo balls; ensure they’re well beaten for fluffy results.
• Schmaltz/Vegetable Oil – Adds richness to the matzo ball mixture; use any oil you have on hand.
• Chicken/Vegetable Stock – Provides the liquid base for the mixture; homemade stock yields the best flavor.
• Matzo Meal – Key component for matzo balls; cannot be replaced with regular flour for authenticity.
• Ground Nutmeg – Adds warmth to the matzo balls; allspice can be used as an alternative.
• Freshly Grated Ginger – A spicy, aromatic note in the stew; ground ginger can substitute, though it’s less fragrant.
• Coarse Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning; adjust according to personal preference.
How to Make Chicken Matzo Ball Stew
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Heat Oil: In a large (5-quart) pot, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion, celery, and diced turnip until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. This creates a lovely aromatic base for your stew.
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Add Chicken: Gently place the cut-up chicken into the pot, covering it completely with about 5 cups of water. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered, skimming off any foam, for around 30 minutes.
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Cool & Chill: Once the broth is flavorful, cool it down before covering and refrigerating for several hours or overnight. Don’t forget to reserve any chicken fat at this point to use later in your matzo balls!
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Prepare Matzo Ball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the beaten eggs, schmaltz or vegetable oil, stock, matzo meal, ground nutmeg, grated ginger, and chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste, then chill this mixture for at least 3 hours to ensure fluffy matzo balls.
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Combine & Shred: About 45 minutes before you’re ready to serve, remove the chicken from the broth. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Toss in the carrots and peas, then adjust the seasoning to your liking.
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Cook Matzo Balls: Using wet hands, form small balls from the chilled matzo mixture and gently drop them into the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 20 minutes until they’re fully cooked and fluffy.
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Serve: Once ready, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an added touch of brightness.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken Matzo Ball Stew Variations
Feel free to explore and personalize this beloved dish with these simple twists and swaps that cater to your taste and dietary preferences.
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Turkey Substitute: Use leftover turkey for a wonderful twist, especially after festive holidays. You’ll savor the memories in every bite.
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Vegetable Boost: Add seasonal veggies like sweet potatoes or green beans for a fresh touch and delightful crunch.
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Vegan Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth, making this stew a plant-based comfort masterpiece.
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Herb Enhancements: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary, bringing a different aromatic experience to your hearty bowl.
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Spicy Kick: For some heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce, igniting your taste buds.
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Coconut Cream: Stir in a dollop of coconut cream for a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that adds a unique flavor profile.
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Noodle Addition: Incorporate some egg noodles for a heartier meal, transforming the stew into a comforting, noodle-laden delight.
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Cheesy Twist: Grate some Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra depth of flavor that melts beautifully into the stew.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Matzo Ball Stew preparations are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the broth and shred the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool the broth, refrigerate, and reserve the chicken fat for the matzo balls. The matzo ball mixture can also be made and chilled for at least 3 hours prior to cooking, ensuring you have fluffy balls that absorb the broth beautifully. When ready to serve, reheat the broth while adding carrots and peas, then form and drop the chilled matzo balls into the stew, cooking them until fluffy. This method allows you to enjoy a nourishing meal with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Matzo Ball Stew
Fridge: Store any leftover Chicken Matzo Ball Stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to maintain the ideal consistency.
Freezer: You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Matzo Ball Storage: If possible, store the matzo balls separately, as they will absorb liquid when left in the stew. Freeze them individually for up to 3 months and simply drop them in the hot broth when ready to serve.
Reheating: When reheating, do so on low heat to preserve the textures, and always check seasoning, as flavors may mellow after storage.
Expert Tips for Chicken Matzo Ball Stew
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Chill the Broth: Make sure to cool the broth properly before refrigerating to skim off any excess fat later on. This results in a lighter, cleaner flavor.
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Matzo Ball Technique: Allow the matzo ball mixture to chill thoroughly before shaping. This step is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture that is characteristic of a great Chicken Matzo Ball Stew.
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Homemade Stock Benefits: Whenever possible, opt for homemade chicken or vegetable stock. It enhances the depth of flavor in your stew, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
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Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your stew as it simmers. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is absolutely perfect and reflects your personal palate.
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Versatile Vegetable Additions: Feel free to experiment by adding seasonal vegetables like green beans or parsnips for extra flavor and texture, tailoring your Chicken Matzo Ball Stew to what you love most!
What to Serve with Chicken Matzo Ball Stew?
Cozying up with a bowl of chicken matzo ball stew is a delightful experience, but complementing this dish enhances your meal further.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth. A slice of warm, freshly baked bread adds a satisfying crunch.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad of mixed greens can provide a crisp counterbalance to the creamy stew and brighten your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts add depth and a sweet, caramelized flavor that meshes well with the stew.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base to rest the stew upon, enhancing both heartiness and warmth.
A quick note—when serving, consider a hint of lemon zest on the salad to brighten the flavors overall.
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Herbed Rice: Prepare a simple herbed rice alongside, which offers a mild taste that allows the stew’s flavors to shine through while adding a delightful texture.
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Chilled White Wine: For those looking to unwind, a crisp glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully, complementing the spices in the stew.
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Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a refreshing fruit sorbet can cleanse the palate, providing a sweet finish that’s both light and satisfying.
Chicken Matzo Ball Stew Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this Chicken Matzo Ball Stew?
For this recipe, around 4 pounds of cut-up chicken works best. You can also swap in leftover turkey, which is especially perfect after Thanksgiving. Just make sure to remove any bones and skin for a smoother stew experience.
How do I store leftover Chicken Matzo Ball Stew?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze Chicken Matzo Ball Stew?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze the matzo balls separately, as they will absorb liquid. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How long do matzo balls need to chill before cooking?
For the best texture, chill the matzo ball mixture for at least 3 hours before shaping and cooking. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy, tender matzo balls that won’t fall apart in the stew.
How can I tell if my matzo balls are cooked through?
The matzo balls should be light and fluffy when they’re done, taking about 20 minutes to cook in the simmering broth. If you’re unsure, you can cut one in half to check if it’s fully cooked—it should be moist but not gummy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can create a vegan version by substituting chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using vegetable broth instead. For the matzo balls, make sure to choose vegan matzo meal and follow the same preparation steps, maintaining the comforting essence of this dish.
Cozy Chicken Matzo Ball Stew for Heartwarming Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onion, celery, and diced turnip until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Gently add the cut-up chicken and cover with about 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cool the broth, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- In a bowl, combine beaten eggs, schmaltz, stock, matzo meal, nutmeg, ginger, and add salt and pepper. Chill for at least 3 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it returning it to the pot. Add carrots and peas; adjust seasoning.
- Form small balls from chilled matzo mixture and drop into the simmering stew. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
- Serve in bowls garnished with fresh dill or parsley.