Belgium Waterzooi Belgian (Gentse Waterzooi) Recipe

Name: Belgium Waterzooi Belgian (Gentse Waterzooi)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (3 1/2 lb) roasting chickens, cut into 8 pieces; salt; fresh ground white pepper; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 medium size onions, finely chopped; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 3 leeks, slit lengthwise, washed well, and finely chopped (white and light green part only); 3 celery ribs, finely chopped; 3 carrots, finely chopped; 4 parsley roots, peeled and cut into sixths (3 to 4 pound total); 1 cup dry white wine; 3 cups rich chicken broth (homemade); 4 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves; 1/2 lemon, juice of; CHICKEN BROTH; 8 lbs chicken bones, with meat; 2 carrots, sliced; 3 celery ribs, with leaves sliced; 1 large onion, halved and separated into layers; 1 leek, washed well and cut up; 10 black peppercorns; 1 bouquet garni (consisting of 6 springs each fresh parsley, thyme, and marjoram, 2 springs fresh sage, and 1 bay lea); 2 cups dry white wine; 5 quarts cold water; salt & freshly ground black pepper

Try this homemade Belgium Waterzooi Belgian (Gentse Waterzooi) recipe the whole family will love. Made with roasting chickens, salt, fresh ground white …

This Belgium Waterzooi Belgian (Gentse Waterzooi) relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as salt, fresh ground white pepper, shallots, finely chopped and celery ribs, finely chopped. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 2404 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Soups & Stews

Servings: persons

1 (3 1/2 lb) roasting chickens, cut into 8 pieces
salt
fresh ground white pepper
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 medium size onions, finely chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
3 leeks, slit lengthwise, washed well, and finely chopped (white and light green part only)
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 carrots, finely chopped
4 parsley roots, peeled and cut into sixths (3 to 4 pound total)
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups rich chicken broth (homemade)
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 lemon, juice of
CHICKEN BROTH
8 lbs chicken bones, with meat
2 carrots, sliced
3 celery ribs, with leaves sliced
1 large onion, halved and separated into layers
1 leek, washed well and cut up
10 black peppercorns
1 bouquet garni (consisting of 6 springs each fresh parsley, thyme, and marjoram, 2 springs fresh sage, and 1 bay lea)
2 cups dry white wine
5 quarts cold water
salt & freshly ground black pepper

1
FOR THE WATERZOOI: Rub the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Butter the bottom of a large, heavy casserole with 2 tablespoons of the butter. Layer it with the onions, shallots, leeks, celery, carrots, and parsley roots. Lay the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Pour the wine and chicken broth over everything, season with salt and pepper, and bring to just below a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer very gently, without letting the broth come to a boil, until the meat on the chicken nearly falls off, about 2 1/2 hours. Remove the chicken and set aside or bone it, if you desire. Continue to simmer the remaining ingredients until the parsley roots are soft, another 30 minutes.
2
In a medium size bowl, beat together the egg yolks, heavy cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and a few tablespoons of the broth from the casserole. Remove the parsley roots and pass them through a food mill or mash them. Stir them into the egg mixture. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the stew, whisking all the time so the eggs don't curdle. Add the parsley and lemon juice and stir. Ladle the broth over the chicken pieces and serve immediately. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
3
CHICKEN BROTH:
4
This is a nice homemade broth that can be used for recipes calling for chicken broth. For duck broth, replace the chicken bones and meat with a duck carcass and for rabbit broth, replace with rabbit bones. For recipes calling for a rich chicken broth, first roast the chicken bones in a 425u00b0F oven until golden before proceeding with the recipe.
5
Put all the ingredients, except the salt and pepper, in a stockpot, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and skim off the foam from the surface until no more appears. Partially cover the pot and simmer over very low heat for at least 6 hours.
6
Pour the broth through a strainer (a chinois, or conical strainer, would be ideal) and discard all the bones, vegetables, and bouquet garni. Now line the strainer with cheesecloth and pour the broth through again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the broth in the refrigerator until the fat congeals and remove. The broth can kept, refrigerated for up to 1 week, or frozen for up to 6 months. Makes 3 to 4 quarts.
7
Real Stew.

2404

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

368

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 27 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (3 1/2 lb) roasting chickens, cut into 8 pieces, salt, fresh ground white pepper, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, and more.

Yes, Belgium Waterzooi Belgian (Gentse Waterzooi) falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Quick Info

Servings
4 servings
Calories
2404 kcal
Category
Soups & Stews

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