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Healthy Crockpot Tuscan White Bean Chicken Stew

healthy crockpot tuscan white bean chicken stew - featured image

A hearty and wholesome slow-cooker stew featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and Tuscan herbs. Perfect for easy meal prep and nourishing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) canned white beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh lemon juice, a squeeze

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic (about 10 minutes).
  2. Optional but recommended: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through.
  3. Layer diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and sun-dried tomatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Place the seared chicken thighs on top.
  4. Add the drained white beans and chicken broth. Sprinkle rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and flavors melded.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh baby spinach and a drizzle of olive oil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice if desired.
  7. Ladle the stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread or over cooked grains like quinoa or rice.

Notes

Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and improves texture. Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve brightness. If stew is too watery, remove lid during last 30 minutes to thicken or stir in a cornstarch slurry. This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. For a low-carb version, substitute white beans with chopped cauliflower or zucchini.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, Tuscan stew, white bean chicken stew, healthy meal prep, easy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free