Description
This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with a flavorful blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, it delivers rich, savory flavors and a thick, satisfying texture thanks to arrowroot powder. Perfect for an effortless, warming dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup yellow or red waxy potato, chopped
Tomato Base
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomato
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (plus 1 additional tablespoon for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken, chopped carrots, celery, onion, potato, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, granulated garlic, chicken stock, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and kosher salt into a 6-quart slow cooker. Mix gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Stew: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high heat for about 4 hours, or alternatively on low heat for 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Note that cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: Carefully ladle out 1/4 cup of the broth from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Whisk together the arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) and an additional tablespoon of balsamic vinegar until you achieve a smooth slurry without lumps.
- Thicken the Stew: Pour the arrowroot mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 5 minutes. During this time, the stew will thicken and develop a rich consistency.
- Shred and Return Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and shred or dice them to your preferred texture. Return the shredded chicken into the stew, stir thoroughly, and taste. Adjust salt seasoning if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Tuscan chicken stew warm with a generous drizzle of olive oil and freshly ground black pepper if preferred. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal with your favorite side or crusty bread.
Notes
- This stew is an easy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
- Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds an extra smoky flavor depth to the dish.
- Arrowroot powder is a great thickener that keeps the stew gluten-free and imparts a glossy finish.
- Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
- The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang and sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- Cooking times may vary, so ensure the chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender before thickening.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking for the best flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 777 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 64 mg
