Slow cooker Tuscan chicken stew is healthy, hearty, and so easy to prepare in the crockpot! Rosemary, fennel seeds and balsamic vinegar give this stew a ton of flavor.
When it comes to comfort food, stew is pretty much at the top of my list...I just want to cozy up with a bowl of Slow Cooker African Peanut Stew, Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken Stew, or this slow cooker Tuscan chicken stew! Perfect to warm you up, and excellent for bread dunking.
This Tuscan chicken stew slow cooker recipe is one of the most popular recipes on Sweet Peas and Saffron because of the amazing flavor you can get for very little effort!
It's perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anyone who wants to stock the freezer for easy meals.
Reasons you'll ♡ this slow cooker Tuscan chicken stew
- it's hearty, healthy and delicious
- no sautéing means you can get it cooking quickly and it requires very little work!
- it works great for meal prep!
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Chicken Stew Ingredients
For this Tuscan chicken stew, you'll need:
- boneless skinless chicken thighs- I love using thighs as they stay nice and juicy in the slow cooker, however you could swap for chicken breasts and reduce the cook time to 3-4 hours.
- carrots, celery and onion- chopped
- tomatoes- swap for a can of diced tomatoes in a pinch
- potatoes- I recommend baby potatoes, halved
- fennel seeds- crush them with the side of a knife before adding to the stew
- rosemary- fresh if possible
- stock- I used homemade bone broth but regular chicken stock works great
- balsamic vinegar- to add a tangy aftertaste
- cornstarch- to thicken; you may also use arrowroot starch
Can I cook this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you absolutely can! Find the directions in this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Stew post.
How do you thicken crockpot chicken stew?
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Thickening your stew is optional, but it really helps give it that comfort food texture...velvety and smooth and just a little more substantial than an un-thickened stew. It also helps the delicious broth stick to the chicken, bringing it even more flavor.
For this crockpot chicken stew, I simply mixed a bit of cornstarch with some water, add it to the pot 30 minutes before serving, and turn up the temperature to high. You can also use arrowroot starch.
Ingredient swaps
This Tuscan chicken stew is a great as written but you can totally change it up depending on what you have on hand in your fridge or pantry!
- chicken thighs- chicken breasts may be used (adjust the cook time to 3-4 hours on low), readers Karen and Aletta added browned Italian sausage, and reader Dani added ½ a cup of lentils
- potatoes- sweet potatoes would go well with the flavors in this stew (although they may end up quite soft by the end of the cook time). You could also leave the potatoes out and increase the other veggies to make up for them.
- fennel- fresh tarragon may be a good alternative (add at the end of the cook time). Fresh thyme is great in this stew with the rosemary.
- other add ins- reader Yae added 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and I personally think adding in some roasted garlic would be fantastic!
Meal prep tips
This is the perfect recipe to add into your meal prep routine! You can meal prep it in two different ways:
- cook ahead and reheat- cook a big batch of this stew on the weekend and reheat for easy lunches or dinners.
- store in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months
- I like storing the cooked stew in a 2 cup glass meal prep containers or a meal mug
- assemble ahead but don't cook- as a crockpot freezer meal (find 34 more crockpot freezer meals here!)
- combine all ingredients in a large freezer bag, a large meal prep container or a reusable silicone bag
- freeze for up to 3 months
- when you are ready to cook, thaw completely and cook as directed
find my favorite meal prep containers & freezer equipment in my shop!
More slow cooker chicken recipes
- Crockpot Whole Chicken and Veggies
- Thai Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
- Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 7 No Sautee Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see how easy this recipe is to prep! Watch this 1-minute video! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
This recipe was originally posted in 2014. It has been republished with fresh photos, tips and a new video in 2020.
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 6-8 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks of celery sliced
- 1 small-medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 12 baby potatoes left whole or cut in half
- 1 ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional!
- 2 tablespoon white wine
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed with side of knife
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
Just before serving:
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
To serve
- chopped parsley
- bread
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Toss chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, wine, fennel seeds, salt and rosemary into the slow cooker.
- Cook on the lowest setting for 4-6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cook time, combine the corn starch with the water and mix until no lumps remain and add to the slow cooker along with the balsamic vinegar.
- Turn heat to high, and cook for 30 additional minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Transfer chicken thighs to a clean bowl and shred with two forks or an electric hand mixer. Return to the stew and mix in.
- Remove the rosemary and serve.
To assemble ahead and freeze:
- In a heavy-duty gallon sized freezer bag, combine all ingredients except the water/cornstarch/balsamic vinegar. **Make sure to leave the baby potatoes whole**
- Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw completely before cooking as directed above.
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Glamorous Glutton says
This looks delicious. I don't have a slow cooker but use a very low setting on the hob and a good tight lid and get the same result. GG
Denise says
Thanks, Glamorous Glutton...what's a hob?
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Love slow cooker stews, definitely helps cut down on meal times especially during busy nights. This tuscan chicken one looks fantastic! Love how warm and comforting it looks and the flavors sound amazing!
Denise says
It is definitely fall comfort food...which is what I've been craving so much lately! Thanks, Kelly!
Lindsay @ Veggie Balance says
Fall = Slow Cooker Time! Look delicious!
Great tip about adding more spices at the end. I'm totally going to try that next time.
Denise says
Is sure is slow cooker time! Mine is getting a good work-out these days 🙂 Thanks, Lindsay!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
Denise, this soup looks perfect! I love a great slow cooker recipe. Love how good my house smells when I come home : )
Denise says
Me too, Eva! So comforting 🙂
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
I love quick and easy recipes like this during the Winter and Fall (esp. when there is already that much snow on the ground - omg!!). This stew looks totally comforting, warming and delicious - just in time for Fall (and that Bread looks perfect as well!). This recipe confirms that I need a slow cooker in my life ASAP 🙂
Denise says
Luckily the snow has melted, but it definitely kicked in my slow cooker/soup/stew cravings 🙂 Thanks, Ceara!
Annie @Maebells says
This stew looks beautiful! I love that it is a slow cooker version, slow cooker meals are so great for busy week nights!
Denise says
Thanks, Annie! Definitely good for those busy days 🙂
Denise says
Thanks, Arpita! I am totally craving warm, comforting foods these days 🙂
Broma Bakery says
Currently cooking right now... cannot wait for the finished product! Will let you know how it turns out 🙂
Denise says
Hope you enjoy it! Make sure not to skip the big old chunk of bread 😉
Broma Bakery says
So it was delicious. Dipped a crunchy baguette in and had ourselves a fantastic sunday supper. Thanks for sharing!
Denise says
Oh, yay! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
Yay for slow-cooker season! I don't even think I can describe how badly I'm craving a big bowlful of this cozy soup! Just gorgeous. 😀 Pinned!
Denise says
Thanks, Sarah! I'm so happy for soups and stews and comfort food season 🙂
katie says
Wow, this dish looks amazingly comforting and yummy! I can't wait to make this, what a perfect fall dish. Pinning 🙂
Denise says
Thanks, Katie! I am loving the comforting, warm food these days 🙂
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Now this is a seriously good looking tuscan chicken stew! It definitely looks hearty and packed full of yummy flavours that are perfect for the weather right now. Saving the recipe to recreaet.. thanks Denise!
Denise says
Thanks, Thalia! It is definitely a good 'cool weather' dinner.
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
This sounds like one to save for a chilly winter's day, Denise. I love the 'little extras' you recommend like the fennel seeds and balsamic vinegar. My slow cooker is all packed away in boxes still waiting to be moved. I can't wait to get it out again!
Denise says
Oh I hate that 'in between' phase of moving 🙁 Hope everything goes smoothly for you guys and you get you can free your slow cooker soon!
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
This sounds awesome! I love fennel seed too. I was in a soup mood this week (despite the fact that it's still very much summer here) and made a chickpea soup. Makes me excited for fall and cooler weather!
Denise says
Thanks, Jess! I am loving fennel seeds, you would think they would make things taste licoricey, but they just add a really interesting flavor. Hope you get your fall weather soon!
chrissie says
I have been using a slow cooker since I married in 1972 and love finding new recipes...this one sounds the perfect meal to come home to.Thank you so much .BTW our weather here in England is all over the place too ! 🙂
Denise says
Hi Chrissie, you sound like a slow cooker pro! I am sorry to hear you are having crazy weather in England, too. Hope you like the recipe!
Isadora @ She Likes Food says
We have been getting a ton of rain here lately and it has finally started cooling things down 🙂 The rain really makes me crave soup and this looks like the perfect hearty soup that even my husband would be happy to eat for dinner! I don't have a slow cooker, but I've been thinking about getting one lately and after seeing this I am really thinking I need one!
Denise says
I'm glad you're getting some cooler weather, it really makes it feel like fall, doesn't it? I like my slow cooker, but wish I had read more reviews on other slow cookers and features they have. Mine is very basic and cooks hot 🙁
Ashley @ ashleymarieskitchen says
Yum! This tuscan chicken stew looks fantastic. I can't wait to give this recipe a try 🙂 Pinned!
Denise says
Hi Ashley! Hope you like it...thanks for the pin!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Love love love this stew. I've been thinking that its time to start using my slow cooker again. It would be pretty awesome to come home to fully made tuscan chicken stew one of these nights.
Denise says
Thanks, Kathy! My slow cooker never really went away this summer, but these days it's living on the counter and has been in heavy use!
Karen - 2Teaspoons says
I love slow cookers! They make cooking soooo easy. I really like setting them to cook while I'm at work then being welcomed home by the delicious smell of a home cooked meal! It's almost like someone surprising you by making dinner...almost 🙂 beautiful photos too!
Denise says
I am learning to love my slow cooker...I need to find some recipes that can cook for 8 hours or longer so that I can come home to a delicious meal (rather than mush). Thanks, Karen!
Wendy King says
Denise, your prayers have been answered! There is a new slow cooker out that has a timer. You can program it when to start and stop cooking! So it can be ready when you come home! Im going to get one! Wopee! Probably find one on Amazon?...Yes?
Denise says
Wendy, THANK-YOU! I need to get my hands on one of these 🙂 Sounds just perfect!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Sounds like mother nature needs to make up her mind by you, Denise! It's been unseasonably chilly by me for the last week or so, but luckily no snow...yet! 🙂 I love using my slow cooker in the fall and this looks like the perfect dish! I like that you used chicken instead of beef. And the fennel seeds sounds like the perfect addition! Pinning to try this fall!
Denise says
Gayle, I hope you don't get snow for a long time! It is way too early for those shenanigans. Thanks, Gayle!