Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew is your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender chicken thighs simmered with earthy beans, tender potatoes, and sweet roasted peppers, all infused with fragrant tarragon and tomato puree. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding flavors beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings, this stew hits all the right notes—rich, satisfying, and full of wholesome ingredients.

The Upside of Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Hands-off cooking: Just prep your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and come back to a flavorful, ready-to-eat meal.
• Wholesome and filling: With protein-packed chicken and beans, plus nutrient-dense veggies, it’s perfect for a balanced diet.
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like canned beans and potatoes, making it easy on your wallet.
• One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup required, which is always a plus after a busy day.
• Customizable: Easily tailored to suit your preferences, whether you want it spicier, thicker, or more veggie-loaded.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at what goes into this stew and the role each ingredient plays:

• 1 garlic clove, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle pungency.
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Provides sweetness and body to the stew base.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and enriching the flavor profile.
• 4 chicken thighs (skin removed before serving): The star protein, tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthiness.
• 1 cup roasted peppers (bottled or canned): Sweet and smoky, balancing the savory elements.
• 15 ounces kidney beans (can, drained and rinsed) or black beans: Adds creaminess and fiber.
• 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced: Brings a briny, tangy contrast.
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds heartiness and helps thicken the stew naturally.
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Offers sweetness and texture.
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon: Infuses an herbal, slightly anise-like flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and savory richness.
• 1 cup tomato puree: Gives the stew a vibrant color and subtle acidity.

What’s in the Gear List

Making this Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew requires just a few kitchen essentials:

• Slow cooker: The heart of the recipe, perfect for slow simmering flavors.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables and prepping chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To keep your ingredient ratios spot on.
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula: For stirring ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Colander: To drain and rinse the beans.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

Step 1: Prep your ingredients

Begin by mincing the garlic and coarsely chopping the onion. Peel and dice the potatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the kidney beans or black beans thoroughly. Slice the olives and remove the skin from the chicken thighs if you prefer to serve without it.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

In a skillet, warm a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step boosts the stew’s depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 3: Layer the slow cooker

Transfer the sautéed garlic and onion to the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, roasted peppers, beans, and olives. Nestle the chicken thighs on top. Season everything with salt, black pepper, and dried tarragon.

Step 4: Add liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and tomato puree, ensuring the ingredients are mostly submerged. This creates a rich, flavorful cooking environment that tenderizes the chicken and melds all components.

Step 5: Cook low and slow

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be falling-apart tender, and the vegetables soft but not mushy.

Step 6: Final touch before serving

Before serving, remove the chicken thighs and discard the skin if you haven’t done so already. Stir the stew gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Tailor It to Your Diet

This stew is incredibly adaptable to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic and onion.
• Swap out chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, though cooking time may vary.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it fully plant-based, paired with tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for more color and nutrients.
• For a thicker stew, mash a few potato pieces into the broth or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water near the end of cooking.

Cook’s Commentary

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a stew that you can set and forget, especially when it delivers rich flavors without fuss. The combination of tender chicken thighs and creamy beans creates a comforting texture that’s perfect for chilly evenings. The roasted peppers add a subtle sweetness, while the olives lend a surprising tang that keeps every bite interesting.

The use of dried tarragon is a small but impactful detail—it brightens the stew with its unique herbal notes, making it stand out from your typical chicken and bean recipes. If you love exploring different flavor profiles, you might enjoy pairing this stew with a side of crusty bread or even trying it alongside a lighter dish like Slow Cooker Butter Chicken for a special dinner spread.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew is excellent for meal prep and leftovers:

• Prepare the stew a day ahead to let the flavors meld even more deeply—reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• If the stew thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the texture.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs in this stew?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but add extra cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through. It’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if possible for even cooking.

What if I don’t have roasted peppers on hand?

You can substitute roasted peppers with fresh bell peppers sautéed until soft, or even canned diced tomatoes for a slightly different, but still delicious flavor.

Can I make this stew in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function for the aromatics, then pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes with a natural pressure release. For more ideas, check out Instant Pot Chicken Tinga, another flavorful chicken recipe made in an electric pressure cooker.

How can I thicken the stew if it’s too watery?

Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until thickened.

Weekend Projects

• Try your hand at making homemade Southern Baked Beans to serve alongside this stew for a protein-packed feast.
• Experiment with slow cooker recipes by exploring Slow Cooker Butter Chicken for creamy, spiced variety.
• Master the art of pressure cooking with recipes like Instant Pot Chicken Tinga for quick, flavorful meals.
• Pick a new herb each weekend—like tarragon or thyme—to enhance your slow cooker recipes and broaden your flavor palette.

Time to Try It

There’s no better moment than now to fire up your slow cooker and dive into this nourishing Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew. Its inviting aromas, rich textures, and satisfying flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this stew promises warmth and comfort with every spoonful. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and look forward to a delicious, effortless dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.

Comfort food at its finest, this stew is waiting to become your slow cooker staple. Enjoy!

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