Print

Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Chicken Thigh Stew

creamy slow cooker tuscan white bean chicken thigh stew - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty and creamy Tuscan stew made with slow-cooked chicken thighs, white beans, fresh herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for richness. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (skin can be removed if preferred)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or great northern white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place skin side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add drained white beans, diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Nestle browned chicken thighs into the slow cooker, skin side up.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in chopped kale or spinach.
  7. When cooking is done, remove rosemary and thyme sprigs. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience. Puree some beans before adding cheese for extra creaminess. If stew is too thick, add broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to reduce. Use bone-in chicken thighs for juiciness. Can be made dairy-free by omitting Parmesan or using nutritional yeast and adding coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Tuscan stew, white bean stew, chicken thigh stew, creamy stew, easy dinner, comfort food, healthy stew

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tuscan-white-bean-chicken-thigh-stew-recipe-easy-and-perfect/