Welcome to a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! Our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, bursting with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Imagine tender chicken simmered to perfection, mingling with creamy cannellini beans, fresh spinach, and the aromatic essence of garlic and basil. This dish is so easy to prepare that you’ll wonder how something so delicious can come from just a few simple steps. Ready to impress your family and friends with a comforting stew that practically cooks itself? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans. If using fresh spinach, rinse and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the slow cooker, place the 4 chicken breasts at the bottom. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken as it cooks.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, over the onions and garlic. This will create a flavorful base for the stew.
- Stir in the drained cannellini beans and sprinkle the dried basil evenly over the mixture. This adds a lovely herbal note to the stew.
- Finally, add the 2 cups of spinach on top of the other ingredients. The spinach will wilt down as it cooks.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors together.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shred with a fork. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Serve the Tuscan Chicken Stew hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Italian meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the onion and mince the garlic the night before. Store them in the refrigerator, so they’re ready to go in the morning.
- Layering Flavors: For the best flavor, ensure that the chicken is seasoned well with salt and pepper before adding the other ingredients. This helps the seasoning penetrate the meat as it cooks.
- Fresh vs. Canned: If you prefer fresh tomatoes, feel free to substitute them for the canned diced tomatoes. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as fresh tomatoes may take a bit longer to break down.
- Experiment with Greens: While spinach is a fantastic choice, you can also try kale or Swiss chard for a different twist. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture.
- Shredding Chicken: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks and shred it directly in the slow cooker. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious juices from the stew.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Tuscan Chicken Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up every drop of that rich, flavorful broth.
- Leftover Magic: This stew makes for excellent leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for a quick meal later on.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
