One pot chicken Paprika Stew

Today my 2 year old got his leg cast off. He cried and shook the entire time they were cutting it off. He clung to me. He didn't try to run away, he just held tight. I never thought I would learn so much from a kid. Isn't this what we are supposed to do when life gets scary? Cling to the cross, hold on, have faith, draw strength from Christ, trust, bear the suffering and pain?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

The list goes on and on!  So many verses encouraging one to have faith, stay strong and trust!  I need to read these more often!  Scratch that - I need to write them on cards and leave them around my house!  

Back to my 2 year old, because who am I kidding...I am totally "That mom" who talks about her kids all the time...sorry, not sorry :)  Cute story alert!

Whenever I make a smoothie my toddler gets scared of the loud blender, so he insists on sitting on the sofa in another room.  I was about to make my smoothie so I put him on the sofa and my baby on the ground to wiggle around.  As soon as I started the blender my baby started crying - which he usually doesn't do!  I turned the blender off and look into the other room - my toddler had gotten down from the sofa and was right next to the baby.  I heard him say "Wrong Henry? Okay, okay.  Scared blender.  Hold hand." Then he leaned over him and kissed his little nose.  Melted my Momma heart : )  I'll have to remember these moments later in life when they are wrestling and punching each other : )

This stew comes together pretty quickly and is delicious!  I rarely have leftovers!  I made it for a Sunday family dinner recently and it was devoured!  Always a good sign!

One Pot Chicken Paprika Stew

• 
  
• 3 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp. Kosher salt 
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp Paprika
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb potatoes cut into dice sized pieces, I peeled mine, but that is optional
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 Tbs. flour
• 1 1/3 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup white wine

1. In a Ziploc bag, combine paprika, salt and pepper. Mix together and add chicken lightly shaking until pieces are evenly coated.  I did this a few hours ahead of time and let it sit in my fridge, but you can just move on to the next step if you don't want to let the chicken marinate a bit.
2. In a large stock pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken a few pieces at a time and cook until brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Repeat the process until all the chicken has been browned.
3. Add the garlic and onion to the frying pan, stirring for about 2 minutes.  Add the potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes.
4. Gently whisk the flour into the wine. Gradually pour into the vegetable mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add the chicken stock; stir. Return the chicken to the pan and bring to a boil.
5. Cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium-low, simmering until the chicken and vegetables are cooked. Cook for about 30 minutes. Right before serving, stir the chicken and vegetables; taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve over rice, quinoa or fresh greens.