Looking for a soul-warming meal that gently simmers all day while you’re out and about? This Hearty Tuscan Chicken Stew is a comforting, fuss-free dish that practically cooks itself in your slow cooker for 10 hours. You’ll come home to a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s ready to enjoy right away—no last-minute scrambling required.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on each side for about 3 minutes. This quick step adds a touch of extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a rush. Then transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
Next, layer on the chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Pour in the diced tomatoes and cannellini beans, then sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy some mild heat. Carefully pour in the chicken broth until it just covers the ingredients.
Set your slow cooker to low and let everything simmer away for around 10 hours. When you return, give the stew a gentle stir to ensure everything is well combined. The chicken should be fork-tender, and the vegetables perfectly cooked. Taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt, pepper, or more herbs to your liking.
Serve your Tuscan Chicken Stew with crusty bread for soaking up all that savory broth, or top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The rich, tomatoey sauce, hearty beans, and succulent chicken make this dish the perfect cure for a busy day.
Why is this dish such a winner? Its hands-off nature means it’s ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who values practicality without sacrificing flavor. If you’re watching sodium, use low-salt canned goods and chicken broth.
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. It’s a perfect base recipe to customize for your own tastes while still delivering a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready the moment you walk through the door.
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.
