Savory Herb & Chicken Stew
This Savory Herb & Chicken Stew combines tender chicken breast with a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection. The rustic flavors of fresh basil and thyme mingle deliciously with crushed tomatoes and hearty kidney beans, creating a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Serve this mouthwatering stew with crusty bread to soak up every last drop, making it a satisfying meal that warms both the heart and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
celery
2 stalks (cut into bite-size pieces)
carrot
1 (peeled and cut into bite-size pieces)
onion
1 small (chopped)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
chopped tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (with juices)
low sodium chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can
fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup (torn into pieces)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon
bay leaf
1
dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon
chicken breasts
1.5 lbs (with skin)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed if not organic)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped celery, carrot, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Stir in the canned tomatoes along with their juices, low-sodium chicken broth, torn fresh basil leaves, tomato paste, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Gently add the chicken breasts, pressing them down to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
3
Increase the heat to bring the stew to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the stew to simmer lightly, uncovered, for about 25 minutes. During this time, occasionally turn the chicken breasts and stir the pot to ensure even cooking.
4
Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, carefully transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf from the pot. Add the kidney beans to the stew and continue simmering until the liquid reduces slightly and reaches a thick, stew-like consistency, about 10 more minutes.
5
While the stew simmers, remove the skin and bones from the chicken breasts, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer and taste, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6
Ladle the hearty stew into serving bowls and serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Herb & Chicken Stew?
It is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken breast, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and kidney beans simmered in a tomato-based broth.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, olive oil, celery, carrots, onion, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, tomato paste, and kidney beans.
How long should the stew simmer initially?
The stew should simmer lightly for about 25 minutes before removing the chicken.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts with skin.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
Yes, the carrot should be peeled and cut into bite-size pieces.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, but you can substitute with dried basil if necessary.
Which oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
When do I add the kidney beans?
Add the kidney beans after the initial 25-minute simmer, once the chicken has been removed from the pot.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, add the canned tomatoes along with their juices for extra flavor.
How is the chicken prepared for the stew?
The chicken is submerged whole in the liquid, cooked, then shredded after being removed and cooled.
What vegetables are in this stew?
This recipe includes celery, carrot, and onion.
What type of beans are used?
A 15-ounce can of kidney beans is used.
Should I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using low-sodium chicken broth.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onion, celery, and carrot for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds a subtle aromatic flavor to the stew during the simmering process.
When should the bay leaf be removed?
The bay leaf should be discarded after the initial 25-minute simmer.
How long should the chicken cool before shredding?
Let the chicken breasts cool on a cutting board for about 5 minutes.
What is a good side dish for this stew?
Serving with crusty bread is recommended to soak up the flavorful broth.
Should I keep the skin on the chicken?
The skin is removed and discarded after the chicken is cooked and before it is shredded.
What is the total cooking time for the chicken?
The chicken simmers for about 25 minutes until it is nearly cooked through.
How do I make the stew thicker?
Simmer the stew uncovered for an additional 10 minutes after adding the beans to reduce the liquid.
Is this chicken stew spicy?
No, it is a savory stew seasoned with herbs like basil and thyme rather than heat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize the stew by adding more of your favorite vegetables.
How is the stew seasoned?
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Why is tomato paste included?
Tomato paste adds richness and depth to the tomato-based broth.
Can I use chicken thighs?
While the recipe calls for breasts, chicken thighs could be a succulent alternative.
What type of pot is best?
A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan is ideal for even heat distribution.
Should I rinse the kidney beans?
Yes, drain and rinse the kidney beans, especially if they are not organic.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire stew is prepared in one large saucepan, making it easy to clean.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once cooled, remove the meat from the bones and skin and tear it into bite-sized pieces.