Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a one-pot meal simmering all day in a slow cooker. This Tuscan Harvest Chicken & White Bean Stew promises hearty goodness that warms you from the inside out. Laden with juicy chicken, tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs, it’s perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a satisfying bowl of rustic Italian flavors—no extra pots or pans required!
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Handful of fresh spinach or kale leaves, optional
Instructions
Begin by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces until they’re lightly browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes total. This step adds a deeper flavor to your stew but can be skipped if you’re in a pinch.
Next, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and dried herbs. Give everything a gentle stir, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like an extra pop of color and nutrition, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale leaves during the final hour of cooking.
Set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours). Let the aromatic blend of tomatoes, herbs, and chicken juices meld into a rich, savory stew. When it’s time to serve, ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.
This Tuscan Harvest Chicken & White Bean Stew is the kind of recipe that welcomes everyone to the table—from seasoned cooks looking for a foolproof dinner to casual home chefs seeking a balanced meal. It’s an excellent option if you’re watching your sodium levels (simply choose low-sodium broth) or want to pack in extra vegetables.
Feel free to substitute turkey for chicken, or add zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms if you’d like more color and variety. With its comforting flavors and straightforward prep, this dish will quickly become a go-to staple for cozy weeknights and hearty family dinners alike.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
