Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Tuscany with this Tuscan Chicken Stew. Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, cannellini beans, and fresh greens, this stew is a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome meal that warms you from the inside out. The combination of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese adds depth and richness to the dish, while the optional red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this stew is a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, chopped into small chunks.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped basil or parsley for decoration (optional).
Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables:
- In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken thighs and sauté until they are golden brown on each side, roughly 5 to 6 minutes.
- Once browned, take the chicken out of the pot and place it to the side.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Add the browned chicken back into the pot.
- Season the Stew:
- Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add the Beans and Greens:
- Stir in the cannellini beans and fresh spinach (or kale).
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt and the beans are heated through.
- Finish with Parmesan and Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Conclusion:
This Tuscan Chicken Stew is a flavorful and hearty meal that brings the essence of Tuscany to your table. With its tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a cool evening. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh greens adds richness and nutrition, making this stew as wholesome as it is delicious. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Tuscan Chicken Stew: A Flavorful and Hearty Dish Inspired by Tuscany
Ingredients
- 1 pound of skinless boneless chicken thighs, chopped into small chunks.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large carrots sliced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped basil or parsley for decoration optional.
Instructions
Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables:
- In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken thighs and sauté until they are golden brown on each side, roughly 5 to 6 minutes.
- Once browned, take the chicken out of the pot and place it to the side.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Add the browned chicken back into the pot.
Season the Stew:
- Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Add the Beans and Greens:
- Stir in the cannellini beans and fresh spinach (or kale).
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt and the beans are heated through.
Finish with Parmesan and Serve:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.