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Cozy Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean and Kale Chicken Thigh Stew

slow cooker tuscan white bean and kale chicken stew - featured image
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A hearty and comforting slow cooker stew featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy white beans, and fresh kale with Tuscan-inspired herbs. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups fresh curly kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, fire-roasted if preferred
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, e.g., Pinot Grigio)

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: rinse and roughly chop kale, peel and slice carrots, dice onion, mince garlic, and chop celery (about 10 minutes).
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Optional: Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
  4. Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, thyme, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and white wine if using. Nestle browned chicken thighs on top.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
  6. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped kale. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve hot, optionally drizzled with good-quality olive oil. Pair with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Notes

Sautéing the vegetables before adding to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Browning the chicken thighs is optional but adds depth. Add kale near the end to keep it vibrant and tender. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the stew if needed. Skim excess fat for a leaner stew.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-slow-cooker-tuscan-white-bean-and-kale-chicken-thigh-stew-recipe-for-easy-homemade-comfort/