Savory Mediterranean Artichoke Chicken Stew
This Savory Mediterranean Artichoke Chicken Stew is a delectable one-dish meal that combines the tender richness of chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of artichokes, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish offers an amalgamation of Italian herbs and fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast. Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside warm crusty bread for an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this stew is both wholesome and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed)
canned tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and diced)
artichoke hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
small onion
1 (chopped)
kalamata olives
1/2 cup (chopped)
chicken broth
1 cup (low sodium preferred)
dry white wine
1/4 cup (optional)
quick-cooking tapioca
3 tablespoons (unprepared)
fresh Italian parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
dried sweet basil leaves
1 teaspoon (unprepared)
dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (unprepared)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the drained and diced tomatoes, drained artichoke hearts, chopped onion, chopped kalamata olives, chicken broth, dry white wine, quick-cooking tapioca, fresh parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3
Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring the tapioca is evenly distributed to help thicken the stew as it cooks.
4
Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, covering the chicken completely.
5
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the artichokes to the slow cooker, stirring gently to integrate them into the stew without breaking apart.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Mediterranean Artichoke Chicken Stew?
It is a delectable one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts with artichokes, tomatoes, and kalamata olives, slow-cooked with Italian herbs.
How long does it take to cook this stew on Low?
The stew should be cooked on the Low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
How long does it take to cook this stew on High?
If you are in a hurry, you can cook the stew on the High setting for 3.5 to 4 hours.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed.
When should I add the artichoke hearts?
The artichoke hearts should be added approximately 30 minutes before serving to ensure they integrate without breaking apart.
Why is quick-cooking tapioca used in this recipe?
Quick-cooking tapioca is used as a thickening agent to give the stew a richer consistency as it cooks.
Is the white wine required for this stew?
No, the 1/4 cup of dry white wine is optional, though it adds a nice depth of flavor.
What kind of olives are best for this Mediterranean dish?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of chopped kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean taste.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
Yes, you should use one 14-ounce can of tomatoes that has been drained and diced.
What herbs are used in this chicken stew?
The recipe uses fresh Italian parsley, dried sweet basil leaves, and dried thyme leaves.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is excellent served over a bed of rice or alongside warm crusty bread.
Is this a good recipe for a slow cooker?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a slow cooker or crock pot recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, low-sodium chicken broth is actually preferred for this recipe.
Do I need to mix the ingredients before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should combine the vegetables, broth, wine, and spices in a separate bowl before pouring them over the chicken.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and healthy dinner option featuring lean protein and vegetables.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, chicken thighs can be used but may require slightly different trimming.
How should the chicken be placed in the slow cooker?
The chicken breasts should be placed at the bottom of the slow cooker first.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of each, but you can adjust to your own taste.
Is this dish suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights since the slow cooker does most of the work.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small onion, chopped.
How do I ensure the stew thickens correctly?
Mixing the tapioca well into the liquid ingredients before pouring them over the chicken ensures even thickening.
Does the chicken need to be precooked?
No, the chicken is placed in raw and cooks fully during the 4 to 8 hour slow-cooking process.
Is this recipe good for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a great choice for cozy family gatherings.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried sweet basil, but you can use fresh; just remember the ratio is usually 3:1 fresh to dried.
Are the artichokes canned or fresh?
This recipe uses one 14-ounce can of drained artichoke hearts.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal which simplifies cleanup.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can simply replace it with an additional 1/4 cup of chicken broth.
How should the parsley be prepared?
The fresh Italian parsley should be chopped before being added to the stew.
What makes this stew Mediterranean?
The combination of artichokes, kalamata olives, tomatoes, and Italian herbs gives it a classic Mediterranean profile.