Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, where every spoonful bursts with rustic flavors and comforting warmth. This Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this one-pot wonder will become your new favorite go-to recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, slice the carrots, dice the zucchini and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. This will ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, add the sliced carrots, diced zucchini, and bell peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- After 30 minutes, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Once the stew is ready, remove it from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep is Key: Chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Browning Matters: Take time to properly brown the chicken. This step develops deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: If possible, use fresh Italian seasoning or add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the stew gently to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to become perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to add additional vegetables like spinach or kale, or swap chicken for a vegetarian version with white beans.
- Storage Tip: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
