Hearty Tomato Chicken Stew with Creamy White Beans

🍅🍗 Hearty Tomato Chicken Stew with Creamy White Beans

Cozy, comforting, and packed with flavor—this rustic stew is a hug in a bowl! Perfect for chilly nights.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Stew:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 3 celery stalks, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 3–4 fresh sprigs)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Finishing:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Crusty bread for serving

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken in batches until golden brown (~3–4 mins per side). Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics & Veggies

1. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–7 mins until softened.

2. Add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 min until fragrant.

3. Simmer the Stew

1. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

2. Return chicken to the pot. Add bay leaves.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 mins until chicken is tender.

4. Add Beans & Finish

1. Stir in cannellini beans and simmer uncovered for 10 mins to heat through and thicken slightly.

2. Discard bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Stir in fresh parsley.

5. Serve

• Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

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💡 Pro Tips

• For deeper flavor: Add a splash of red wine when sautéing veggies.

• Creamier texture: Mash ½ cup of the beans before adding them to thicken the stew naturally.

• Slow cooker option: Sear chicken and sauté veggies, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add beans in the last 30 mins.

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🥖 Why This Stew Shines

• Protein-packed: Tender chicken and fiber-rich beans make it a balanced meal.

• Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day!

• Customizable: Add kale, spinach, or potatoes for extra heartiness.

Warm, nourishing, and deeply satisfying—this stew is a weeknight winner! ❄️🍲