Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Stew (Printable)
Tender chicken and cannellini beans slow-cooked with vegetables in aromatic herbs and tomatoes for authentic Tuscan flavor.
# 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 (optional)
→ Oils & Sauces
18 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Finishing Touches
19 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
# How To Make It:
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 the 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 well to combine all ingredients.
03 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, developing rich Tuscan flavors.
04 - Stir in cannellini beans and spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and beans are heated through.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The slow cooker transforms humble ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered all day at an Italian nonnas house
- Its a complete meal in one bowl, perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without the effort
02 -
- Dont skip sautéing the vegetables first, this step builds layers of flavor you cant get from the slow cooker alone
- The tomato paste needs that minute of cooking to lose its raw metallic taste and develop sweetness
03 -
- Cut chicken into larger chunks than you think you need, they shrink during cooking
- Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level yourself