This hearty stew is one of our favorite slow cooker recipes for 6, bringing everyone to the table with its rich flavors and cozy aroma. The chicken becomes fork-tender over the long simmer, while the white beans, tomatoes, and veggies soak up all the savory goodness. It’s an effortless dinner that excels on busy weeknights and is perfect for leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Layer the chopped onion, carrots, and celery on the bottom of your slow cooker. Season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil, then place them on top of the vegetables. Scatter the garlic and white beans around and pour in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid) along with the chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. About 30 minutes before serving, gently break the chicken into chunks or shred it, then stir to let the flavors mingle. Make any final adjustments to the seasoning.
Serve steaming hot in large bowls alongside crusty bread, a simple green salad, or both if you want to indulge in a true comfort meal. Enjoy the simplicity and warmth each spoonful brings!
This stew is fantastic if you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing your weekly meals in one go. It offers a hearty protein-and-vegetable balance and can be customized with extra herbs, spices, or veggies of your choice. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. With its savory aroma and nourishing ingredients, this Cozy Chicken & White Bean Slow Cooker Stew is a flavorful, fuss-free solution that makes dinnertime a breeze.
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.
