Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew: A Hearty & Flavorful Comfort Meal

By:

Julia Pacheco

Indulge in the comforting embrace of our Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew, a perfect slow cooker recipe that brings the rustic flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This stew is a delightful blend of tender chicken, hearty golden potatoes, and an aromatic mix of vegetables, all simmered in a rich, creamy, and herb-infused broth. It’s the ultimate cozy meal, ideal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you crave something deeply satisfying with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures that every ingredient is infused with incredible flavor, creating a robust and wonderfully thick stew that will become an instant family favorite.

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

7 hours

Total:

7 hours

15 minutes

Servings:

5
servings

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Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew

This Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of herbs and savory chicken wafting from your slow cooker. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary rotation:

**Effortless Preparation:** With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting.
**Rich, Authentic Flavors:** A symphony of Italian herbs, garlic, and diced tomatoes creates a deeply flavorful broth reminiscent of traditional Tuscan cooking.
**Wholesome & Hearty:** Packed with lean chicken breast, nutrient-rich carrots, celery, and satisfying potatoes, it’s a complete meal in one pot.
**Creamy Perfection:** The cornstarch slurry added at the end thickens the stew to a luxurious, comforting consistency without being overly heavy.
**Family-Friendly:** A delicious and satisfying meal that appeals to all ages, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
**Versatile & Adaptable:** Easily customize with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
**Ideal for Meal Prep:** Makes great leftovers, ensuring you have delicious, ready-to-eat meals for days to come.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable slow cooker Tuscan chicken and potato stew. Each component plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor that makes this dish so special. Make sure all your vegetables are fresh and your seasonings are potent for the best results!

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3
large
carrots, diced
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2
ribs
celery, chopped
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1
yellow onion, diced
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1
lb
golden potatoes, cut into bite sized pieces
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1
lb
chicken breast
▢

2
Tbsp
minced garlic
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2
cups
chicken broth
▢

14
oz
can diced tomatoes
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2
tsp
salt
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1
tsp
pepper
▢

1
tsp
garlic powder
▢

1
tsp
onion powder
▢

1
tsp
oregano
▢

1
tsp
Italian seasoning
▢

1
tsp
dried basil
▢

1
tsp
dried rosemary
▢

½
tsp
thyme
▢

¼
cup
water
▢

2
Tbsp
corn starch
▢

1
Tbsp
balsamic vinegar

Ingredient Spotlight & Potential Substitutions:

**Chicken Breast:** While chicken breast is used for its lean protein, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender results. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger cuts.
**Golden Potatoes:** These potatoes are perfect for stews as they hold their shape well and absorb flavors beautifully. Red potatoes or Yukon Golds also work wonderfully. If you prefer a starchier potato that breaks down more, Russets could be an option, but expect a thicker, creamier stew.
**Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion):** This classic “mirepoix” forms the aromatic base of the stew. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
**Spices & Herbs:** The blend of Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme creates the signature Tuscan profile. Using fresh herbs is always a fantastic upgrade if available; simply double the amount of dried herbs specified.
**Diced Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes add a crucial tang and depth. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can introduce a subtle smokiness.
**Chicken Broth:** Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of your stew. Vegetable broth can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
**Balsamic Vinegar:** This ingredient is a game-changer, adding a touch of acidity and sweetness that brightens all the flavors in the stew. Don’t skip it!
**Cornstarch Slurry:** Essential for thickening the stew to a perfect consistency. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour, but you’ll need to cook it a bit longer to remove any raw flour taste.

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Instructions

Preparing this slow cooker Tuscan chicken and potato stew is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to achieve a deeply flavorful meal with minimal active cooking. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

**Combine Ingredients:** Begin by adding all the prepared vegetables (diced carrots, chopped celery, diced yellow onion, and bite-sized golden potatoes), whole chicken breast, minced garlic, chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, and the complete blend of seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried rosemary, and thyme) into the basin of your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the chicken is nestled amongst the vegetables and liquid. This initial mix ensures that all flavors meld beautifully as the stew slowly cooks. Cook on **LOW for 6 to 7 hours** or on **HIGH for 4-5 hours**. The longer, slower cooking method will yield more tender chicken and a richer, more developed flavor.
**Prepare the Slurry:** Once the main cooking time is complete and the chicken is fall-apart tender, it’s time to thicken your stew to that perfect, comforting consistency. In a small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup of cold water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until no lumps remain and the mixture is completely smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry. Using cold water is key here, as hot water can cause the cornstarch to clump.
**Thicken and Finish:** Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks or a meat masher, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be very tender and easy to shred. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in the prepared cornstarch slurry and the balsamic vinegar. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the slurry is evenly distributed throughout the stew. The balsamic vinegar adds a delightful tang and brightness that cuts through the richness of the stew, enhancing its overall flavor. Cover the slow cooker and continue to cook on **HIGH for an additional 20 minutes**, or until the stew has visibly thickened to your desired consistency. Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly satisfying Tuscan chicken and potato stew!

Serving Suggestions for Your Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew

This hearty Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to make it even more special:

**Crusty Bread:** A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth.
**Fresh Green Salad:** A light, peppery arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
**Pasta:** For an even more substantial meal, serve the stew over a bed of short pasta like orecchiette or penne.
**Garnish:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving. A grating of Parmesan cheese is also a wonderful addition for extra flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This Tuscan Chicken and Potato Stew is fantastic for meal prepping, as its flavors often deepen and improve overnight. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious leftovers:

**Refrigeration:** Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
**Freezing:** This stew freezes exceptionally well. Divide cooled stew into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, stirring occasionally. For larger batches, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out if it has become too thick after refrigeration.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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