Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew is a savory mixture of potatoes, kale, and spices that’s the perfect seasonal meal for those cool, fall nights. All of the flavors meld together wonderfully to create a delicious one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy!

It’s starting to get cooler in the D.C. area and I’m ready to cozy up by a bonfire with something hearty and healthy. If you’re ready to curl up with a hot bowl of something yummy this autumn, then you have to check out comfort foods like this Butter & Sage Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Soup and the Chicken Meatball Soup.

While it’s nice to let a stew simmer in a crockpot or dutch oven for a few hours, not everyone has the time! I know I don’t. Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew is a quick, simple stovetop recipe that’s ready in less than an hour.

This recipe is part of the Cozy Fall Recipe series in collaboration with Chef Natasha and other amazing Black food bloggers.

Key Ingredients in Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew

Chicken Sausage: Stew isn’t complete without a protein. I opted for chicken sausage because it tastes great and cooks faster than beef traditionally used in stew.
Kale: Packs a lot of nutrients and cooks fast; remove the stem and shred leaves into smaller bits so its tender and not chewy.
Yukon Potatoes: Used to thicken the stew.
Dijon Mustard: Enriches the color and taste of the stew, adding a spicy/tangy combination.
Chicken Stock: A natural base for stew; adds moisture, flavor and texture.
Heavy Cream: Thickens the stew while adding a creamy consistency.

Overhead view of the ingredients for Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew in individual clear glasses. — All of the ingredients you’ll need for Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew.

Preparing Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew

When preparing stews, I like to set myself up for success. The first thing I do is chop, dice, and measure out all of my ingredients. This makes the cooking process so much easier!

When it comes to preparing the Spicy Chicken Sausage stew, you gradually add all of your ingredients. Whatever you do, don’t throw them all in the pot at the same time. We don’t want veggies to be mushy or for flavors to meld too soon.

Start with your base of onion, celery, carrots, and garlic.

Overhead view of a red pot filled with chopped onions. — Butter and onions in the pot.

Overhead view of a red pot filled with onions, carrots, celery and garlic. — Butter and onions in the pot.

After your veggies begin to soften, stir in potatoes, spicy chicken sausage, and sage. Add in your spices after a couple of minutes.

The inclusion of Yukon potatoes, chicken sausage, sage, and ground cumin.

Then pour in heavy cream followed by red chili flakes.

A hand pouring heavy cream into a pot of Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew — Add heavy cream.

Now add in chicken stock and stir before adding thyme.

A hand pouring chicken stock into a pot of Spicy Chicken Sausage Stew — Add chicken stock.

After the stew has simmered for a while, add kale.

What’s the difference between soups and stews?

Sometimes people use the terms soup and stew interchangeably but there is a distinction between the two. The main difference is the amount of liquid that is used in soups versus stews. Soup ingredients are usually completely submerged in liquid whereas stews are barely covered in liquid.

Stews also tend to be chunkier. The ingredients are cut into bigger pieces. And while both soups and stews can be enjoyed solo, stews tend to be served over rice.

What if my stew is too thick or too watery?

If you need to thicken your stew, add more starch. If you’re using potatoes in your stew, that’s a natural thickening agent. The starch from the potatoes should give you the consistency you desire.

If your stew is too thick, there’s a simple fix. Just add more chicken broth/stock or heavy cream.

How can I store stew leftovers?

Stews are one of those meals that taste even better the next day. When properly stored, stew can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container, leaving a 1/2 inch of space to allow for expansion.

In the fridge, the stew is good for 3-4 days. It can be reheated on the stove or the microwave.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me in your BonAppeDee inspired home-cooked meals on Instagram!