Rustic Italian Chicken and Bean Stew
Warm up your winter nights with this Rustic Italian Chicken and Bean Stew, a deliciously comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. This savory stew combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces with hearty kidney beans, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato broth. Perfectly accompanied by a slice of crusty bread, this recipe is reminiscent of Grandma's kitchen and brings warmth to any dinner table. With its robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience to be savored. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful comfort food!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
celery
2 stalks (diced)
carrot
1 (diced)
onion
1 small (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (undrained)
chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
chicken
1.5 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (torn into pieces)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
bay leaf
1 (none)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Italian Chicken and Bean Stew?
It is a comforting, savory stew featuring tender chicken, kidney beans, and aromatic vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What kind of chicken is best for this stew?
You can use 1.5 lbs of chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
Yes, the kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the stew.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes diced celery, carrot, onion, and minced garlic cloves.
Should I drain the canned diced tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be added undrained to provide extra flavor and liquid to the broth.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with fresh basil leaves, dried thyme, and a bay leaf.
How is the broth thickened?
Two tablespoons of tomato paste are added to create a rich and robust consistency.
What is the best way to serve this stew?
It is perfectly accompanied by a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory tomato broth.
Can I substitute the kidney beans with another variety?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with cannellini beans or Great Northern beans for a similar texture.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pot dish, making it easy to cook and clean up.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a direct substitute for chicken broth.
Do I need to remove the bay leaf?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaf before serving the stew.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
Yes, you can use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil, though fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor.
Is this stew suitable for winter?
Absolutely, its hearty and warm nature makes it an ideal comfort food for cold winter nights.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What type of onion should I use?
A small yellow or white onion, chopped, works perfectly for this recipe.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, the robust and savory flavors are generally enjoyed by both children and adults.
Can I add other greens to the stew?
Yes, you can stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What is the preparation for the carrots and celery?
Both the carrots and the celery stalks should be diced before cooking.
What makes this stew 'Rustic'?
It is considered rustic because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients and traditional flavors reminiscent of home-cooked Italian meals.
How much chicken broth do I need?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of chicken broth.
Is this stew dairy-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed do not contain any dairy products.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
The 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves should be torn into pieces before being added to the stew.