Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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Tuscan vegetable chicken stewis so comforting and full of hearty vegetables, white beans and chicken. Super easy to makeandperfect for busy weeknights!

It has been SO cold here in Utah. Homemade soups and stews have been my go-to! For more hearty goodness to warm you up from the inside-out, try this creamy sausage tortellini soup, zuppa toscana, or slow cooker pasta e fa*gioli!

Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe - The Recipe Critic (1)

Tuscan Chicken Stew With Vegetables

Comfort food season is in full force! Today I’m bringing you a simple and insanely delicious recipe for Tuscan vegetable chicken stew. The weather has been cold and snowywhere I am and there is nothing that I love more than towarm up with a big nourishing bowl of this cozy stew. Homemade soups and stews really are the best. Especially when they’re chock full of soft, tender veggies!

I loaded mine up with celery, zucchini, red peppers, carrots, diced tomatoes and white beans. Just let them simmer together in a large pot with some garlic, onions and Italian herbs to create a super rich and flavorful base. You guys are going to love how amazing this makes your kitchen smell! Pair your delicious Tuscan vegetable chicken stew with some homemade breadsticks or rolls for dipping.

Ingredients Needed

Not only is this stew super easyto make, it’s also packed with tons of healthy and hearty veggies. The best part is that you can easily customize it with whatever you have on hand! This is a great recipe for leftover veggies in your fridge.

  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté all the tasty veggies in the stew.
  • Butter: Butter makes everything taste better! It adds a richness to the stew that can’t be beat.
  • Flour: This works as a thickening agent. I used all-purpose flour.
  • Chicken Broth: The base of the stew! You can also use vegetable or mushroom broth if you prefer.
  • Italian Seasoning: My favorite blend of herbs! Want to try making your own? Find my full recipe here.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of this can add a hint of heat to your stew, but feel free to leave it out if you want a milder flavor.
  • Canellini Beans: These tasty white beans add protein and fiber to your stew, making it a filling and nutritious meal. You can also swap them out for chickpeas or kidney beans.
  • Chicken Breast: Cooked and chopped chicken (you can also use shredded!) is a great source of protein. It also adds a satisfying and hearty texture to the stew.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of this tangy and sweet vinegar brightens up the flavors in your stew.
  • Salt and Pepper: A pinch of salt and pepper go a long way to enhance and balance the flavors in your stew.
  • Parsley for Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal taste to your stew.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this nutty and salty cheese makes a delicious topping for your Tuscan vegetable chicken stew.

Vegetables

  • Onion: Adds depth and character to the stew.
  • Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a bold and zesty punch to the stew.
    Carrots: They add color and nutrition to the stew.
  • Celery: Celery adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of bitterness to the stew. It’s the perfect balance!
  • Zucchini: This is a versatile veggie that adds bulk and texture to the stew. You can also use squash.
  • Red Bell Pepper: A colorful burst of sweetness in every bite! You can also use different colors of bell pepper for more variety.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich and savory broth with a touch of acidity.
  • Spinach Leaves: Spinach adds color, nutrition, and a mild, earthy flavor to your stew. Kale also works!

How to Make Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew

It’s so easy. And perfect for chilly days! Serve this up with some crusty bread, fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The flavors meld together so perfectly, you won’t be able to get enough.

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Add in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Add Remaining Veggies: Stir in the zucchini and red pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add Flour: Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute. Then slowly add the chicken broth while continuously stirring until it starts to thicken and comes together.
  4. Mix in Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, beans, and then the canned tomatoes.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Then add the chicken and reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the spinach and cider vinegar. Then cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until everything is warmed through.
  7. Add Garnish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2)

Tips and Tricks

Tuscan vegetable chicken stew is super easy to make, but here are a few simple things to keep in mind so it turns out perfectly.

  • Use Fresh Veggies: While garden fresh veggies may be off the table for now, you’ll still want to make sure you’re using nice, ripe veggies since they’re the main flavor in this stew.
  • Taste and Adjust: Because every ingredient can vary in flavor and intensity, be sure to taste your stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. Salt and pepper can help to balance the flavors.
  • Using a Slow Cooker: Tuscan vegetable chicken stew can also be made in a slow cooker! Simply add all of your ingredients and let it cook on low for about 6 hours.
Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe - The Recipe Critic (3)

How Long Does Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Last?

This homemade stew works SO well for leftovers. Simply pop it in an airtight container and heat it up for a quick, hearty meal!

  • In the Refrigerator: Chicken vegetable stew will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm the stew in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s hot.

Can it Be Frozen?

Yes! Tuscan vegetable chicken stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the stew, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you are ready to eat the stew, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe - The Recipe Critic (4)

More Delicious Homemade Soups and Stews

Stay warm and cozy this winter with a few more of my favorite soup recipes! They’re so easy to make and have the most amazing flavor. I know you will love them as much as I do! You can also find my full list of soup recipes here.

Soup

Black Bean Soup

25 mins

Dinner

Guinness Beef Stew

1 hr 45 mins

Dinner

Best Ever Slow Cooker Beef Stew

8 hrs 15 mins

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Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew

By: Alyssa Rivers

Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew – so comforting and full of hearty vegetables, white beans and chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Add in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and saute for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

  • Stir in the zucchini and red pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.

  • Sprinkle in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute. Slowly the chicken broth while continuously stirring until it starts to thicken and comes together.

  • Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, beans, and canned tomatoes.

  • Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add the chicken and reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

  • Stir in the spinach and cider vinegar. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until everything is warmed through.

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Video

Notes

Originally posted November 18, 2016

Updated on February 7, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 713mgPotassium: 552mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 8723IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Alyssa Rivers and the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic. The blog launched in 2012 as a place to share my passion for cooking. I love trying new things and testing them out with my family. Each recipe is tried and true, family-tested and approved.

Read More About Me

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Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

Which vegetables are good for stew? ›

Although I added carrots, little red potatoes, rutabaga and cremini mushrooms, you have plenty of options. Parsnip, turnip, pearl onions, squash and fennel will also work. Stir them in gently and immediately return the pot to the oven for the final hour of cooking.

Should I sear chicken before stewing? ›

We'll quickly sear the chicken in the soup pot first. This gives the outside a golden crust for enhanced flavor and texture. It also leaves “fond” on the bottom of the soup pot, which we deglaze and work into the broth for maximum flavor.

Why is chicken stew good for you? ›

Chicken stew can be nutritious and healthy, especially when you add a variety of vegetables to the stew. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber. Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, leeks, potatoes and green beans can help you meet the recommended amount of vegetable servings a day.

What makes stew taste better? ›

If so here are some tips for making your stews tasty and have your family begging you for more!
  1. Choose your ingredients wisely. ...
  2. Start off with a good flavour base. ...
  3. Add vegetables. ...
  4. Add flavourings to taste. ...
  5. Add Herbs and/or Spices. ...
  6. Spices: (Optional) ...
  7. Add stock or wine/beer. ...
  8. Add thickeners.

Do you cook vegetables before putting in stew? ›

While certain vegetables can work just fine added directly to simmering soups and stews (say, carrots and celery), other vegetables (onions, garlic, and the like) will almost always need at least a brief sweat in a fat-based liquid before adding the remaining ingredients.

Can you overcook chicken in stew? ›

You might think that additional cooking time may lead to more tender chicken but overcooking the chicken stew will lead to tough chicken! Stewing chicken leads to tender pieces of chicken but overcooking them, especially on high heat, will make the chicken chewy instead of melt-in-your-mouth tender.

How to keep chicken moist in stew? ›

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, even with a long cook time, and have TONS of flavor. Make sure to brown the chicken well. All of the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot after browning the chicken (called “fond”) flavors the gravy and gives it a nice deep color.

What happens if you don't brown chicken? ›

The end result will have a lot less flavor if you don't brown the meat in the pan first. Sautéing the chicken first creates fond on the pan that is pure flavor, and the liquid then releases that fond from the pan and flavors your rice. Browned/seared meat also has more flavor.

What are the best things to put in a stew? ›

Onions, carrots and celery (mirepoix vegetables) are classic for a reason, but don't be afraid to stray and get creative. Try using roasted garlic instead of regular garlic, or caramelize your onions before moving on to the next step. You can also add an incredible depth of flavor by adding dried mushrooms to the mix.

What is the best green vegetable for stew? ›

Reach for tough winter greens, like kale, Swiss chard, collard, mustard, beet, or turnip greens to bring freshness to the pot. Be sure to add them toward the end of cooking so they retain some of their texture.

What vegetables are in the stewing cooking method? ›

We stew vegetables by letting them simmer in a bit of liquid and cooking fat. This is done in a covered pan, which can be placed in the oven, where the heat is more evenly distributed than in a casserole. When briefly stewed, vegetables retain their appealing colour and flavour.

What vegetable stew contains? ›

This easy vegetable stew loads up a pot with chunky vegetables in a robust and savory broth for a delicious family dinner. Ladle out a comforting bowl of stew with mushrooms, onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, and fire-roasted tomatoes, and pair it with crusty bread.

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