Cut the chicken: Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the chicken into manageable pieces.
Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken pieces.
Heat oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Brown chicken: Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Cook onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Add carrots and potatoes: Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, and water. Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Return chicken: Place the browned chicken back into the pot. Bring to a simmer
Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add peas: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the peas.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot: Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.