Description
This Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is a flavorful and hearty meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld perfectly, resulting in a comforting stew perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 4 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of olive oil to prevent the ingredients from sticking during cooking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the diced tomatoes at the bottom to create a rich, flavorful base for the stew.
- Add Vegetables: Layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, red bell pepper, and sliced zucchini over the tomatoes evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the layered vegetables in the slow cooker carefully.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over all ingredients, ensuring everything is coated and ready to cook.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the stew.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then enjoy this hearty Tuscan-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best tenderness and flavor absorption.
- If you want a spicier stew, increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- For a thicker stew, uncover the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over cooked rice or polenta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
