Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Stew (Print Version)
Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked with cannellini beans, vegetables, and Italian herbs in a tomato-based broth.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
08 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
→ Spices & Herbs
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 1 tsp dried rosemary
13 - 1 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1 tsp salt
16 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
17 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
→ Oils & Sauces
18 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Finishing Touches
19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
# How to Cook:
01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
02 - Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add chicken thighs, diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
03 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through, flavors have melded, and vegetables are soft.
04 - Stir in cannellini beans and fresh spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until spinach is wilted and beans are heated through.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in bowls, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slow cooker does almost all the work while your kitchen fills with incredible aromas
- Tender chicken thighs fall apart in a rich tomato-based broth that feels like a hug
- This stew somehow tastes even better the next day making it perfect for meal prep
02 -
- The initial sauté step might seem optional but it transforms the flavor from good to outstanding
- Spinach wilts down dramatically so don't worry when it looks like a mountain going into the pot
03 -
- Cut chicken into larger chunks than you think you need because they shrink during cooking
- Pat the chicken thighs dry before cutting them for better browning if you choose to sear first