Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a symphony of vegetables in one delicious pot? Look no further than this mouthwatering White Bean Chicken Stew that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded), 2 cans of white beans (drained and rinsed), 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and the onion is translucent.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- After the broth has simmered, add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Once the stew is finished cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use a potato masher to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
- Serve the white bean chicken stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your stew.
- For a richer taste, consider sautéing your vegetables in butter instead of olive oil.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can create a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the simmering stew.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the final presentation and add a burst of freshness.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat for an easy meal.
- For added depth, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the vegetable sautéing stage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 252kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg