Savor the robust flavors of this delectable Tomato Basil Chicken Stew. This stew brings together tender chicken, hearty cannellini beans, and a flavorful blend of vegetables, simmered in a tangy tomato base, elevated with fresh basil.
This recipe includes basic pantry ingredients such as onion, garlic, and canned tomatoes. However, some ingredients like cannellini beans and fresh basil might require a trip to the supermarket if not commonly found in your pantry. Cannellini beans, a type of white bean, are a great source of fiber and protein, and lend a creamy texture to the stew. Fresh basil brings a sweet and slightly minty flavor that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables. It adds a subtle flavor and helps in cooking the other ingredients.
White onion: Gives a sweet and tangy flavor when cooked, forming the base of the stew.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color to the stew.
Celery stalks: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Garlic cloves: Gives a strong, spicy, and pungent flavor.
Whole tomatoes: The main ingredient that forms the tomato base of the stew.
Cannellini beans: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Chicken: The protein of the dish. It becomes very tender when stewed.
Baby spinach: Adds a touch of color and a slightly bitter flavor.
Fresh basil: Brings a burst of sweet and slightly minty flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the stew.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the stew.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick.
One reader, Athene Madison says:
This tomato basil chicken stew recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the aroma is simply divine. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and fragrant basil creates a truly satisfying meal. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, homemade stew.
Cooking Techniques for Tomato Basil Chicken Stew Recipe
How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a large stockpot over medium-high heat for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
How to simmer stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 10 minutes.
How to season stew: Season the stew with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
How to serve stew: Serve the stew with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How To Make Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
This hearty and filling chicken stew will warm you on cold days made with chicken tossed in flavorful herbs and spices and served with parmesan cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1white onion,chopped, small
- 2carrots,peeled and diced
- 2celery stalks,diced
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 56ozwhole tomatoes,2 cans, with their juices
- 14ozcannellini beans,1 can, rinsed and drained
- 3cupschicken,shredded, cooked
- 2baby spinach
- ¼cupfresh basil,roughly chopped
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspblack pepper
- ¼tspred pepper flakes,crushed
Instructions
-
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Saute for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
-
Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute or two until fragrant.
-
Add in remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Use a long spoon to crush the tomatoes.
-
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 10 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 462.98kcal
- Fat: 14.26g
- Saturated Fat: 3.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.11g
- Carbohydrates: 55.35g
- Fiber: 17.04g
- Sugar: 10.34g
- Protein: 32.16g
- Cholesterol: 52.50mg
- Sodium: 802.41mg
- Calcium: 308.59mg
- Potassium: 2146.16mg
- Iron: 10.14mg
- Vitamin A: 405.46µg
- Vitamin C: 47.29mg
Expert Technique Tip for Enhancing Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
When crushing the tomatoes in the stew, it's best to use the back of a wooden spoon. This allows you to control the size of the tomato pieces and ensures they cook evenly. Additionally, crushing the tomatoes releases their juices, enhancing the flavor of the stew.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Stew
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and garlic for the stew.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a slow cooker or instant pot to cook the stew, allowing for hands-off preparation and easy cleanup.
Buy pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen pre-chopped vegetables to skip the prep work and save time.
Canned tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes to eliminate the need for crushing them during cooking.
Prep and freeze: Make a double batch of the stew and freeze half for a quick and convenient meal in the future.
Multi-task: While the stew is simmering, use the time to prepare a side dish or salad to accompany the meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Tomato Basil Chicken Stew Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor compared to white onions, but they will work well in this stew recipe.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar earthy sweetness to carrots and will add a unique flavor to the stew.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the stew.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to garlic and can add a subtle depth to the stew.
whole tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be a convenient substitute and will still provide the tomato base for the stew.
cannellini beans - Substitute with great northern beans: Great northern beans have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable alternative.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken in this stew recipe.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be a heartier substitute for spinach and will hold up well in the stew.
fresh basil - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano can provide a robust and aromatic flavor to the stew, complementing the other ingredients.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the stew.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper in this recipe.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a mild heat and smoky flavor, serving as an alternative to red pepper flakes in the stew.
Presenting Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
Elevate the plating: When presenting the tomato basil chicken stew, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the stew.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle the stew with freshly torn basil leaves just before serving. This will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Finish the stew with a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the stew with slices of warm, crusty bread to provide a delightful contrast in texture and a perfect vehicle for sopping up the delicious broth.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated, minimalist serving dishes that allow the vibrant colors of the stew to take center stage, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Stew
Large stockpot: A large, deep pot used for cooking soups, stews, and stocks. It is ideal for preparing large quantities of food.
Long spoon: A utensil with a long handle, used for stirring and mixing ingredients in deep pots and pans. It helps to reach the bottom of the pot without getting too close to the heat.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or spices. It is essential for grating fresh parmesan cheese to top off the stew.
Storing and Freezing Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
- To store the tomato basil chicken stew, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- When reheating the refrigerated stew, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Frozen tomato basil chicken stew can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen stew to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the stew in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Reheat the thawed stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add a little chicken broth or water if the stew appears too thick.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed stew, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dish.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover tomato basil chicken stew to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the stew is evenly reheated without burning or drying out. If the stew appears too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover stew in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the stew is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the stew, as it may cause the chicken to become tough and rubbery.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover stew to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the stew is heated through. This method is particularly useful if you have a large quantity of leftover stew and want to reheat it all at once.
Slow cooker method: if you have a slow cooker, you can use it to reheat your leftover tomato basil chicken stew. Simply transfer the stew to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow the stew to reheat for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the stew while you're busy with other tasks.
Interesting Trivia About Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
The tomato basil chicken stew recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil. This stew is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a perfect meal for a cozy night in or to share with friends and family. Enjoying a warm bowl of this stew can provide comfort and nourishment, making it a popular choice for a comforting meal.
Budget-Friendly Tomato Basil Chicken Stew Recipe
This tomato basil chicken stew recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, vegetables, and cannellini beans, are affordable and readily available. With a rating of 9/10, this hearty stew offers great value for money. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an economical and satisfying meal choice.
Is This Chicken Stew Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The tomato basil chicken stew recipe is a relatively healthy dish, packed with nutritious ingredients. Here's why:
- It includes a variety of vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, and spinach, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Cannellini beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Chicken is a lean protein source, important for muscle growth and repair
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits
- Garlic and basil add flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added tomatoes and beans to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use skinless chicken breast to further reduce the fat content
- Increase the amount of spinach or add other leafy greens like kale for an extra nutrient boost
- Consider using whole grain pasta or quinoa instead of serving with bread to increase the fiber content and make it a more well-rounded meal
To take this recipe to the next level of healthiness, you could:
- Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase the variety of nutrients
- Use a combination of fresh and dried herbs to enhance the flavor profile without relying on salt
- Experiment with different lean proteins like turkey or tofu to mix things up
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make it a more complete and balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chicken Stew Recipe
The tomato basil chicken stew recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic basil creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The addition of cannellini beans adds a creamy richness, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat. The stew is well-balanced and versatile, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, and the end result is a hearty and delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
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Why trust this Tomato Basil Chicken Stew Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful and hearty meal, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tomatoes, basil, and chicken creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of cannellini beans adds a creamy texture, while the addition of spinach provides a nutritional boost. The inclusion of fresh basil ensures a burst of aromatic freshness. With the careful selection of ingredients such as garlic and onion, this recipe promises a comforting and satisfying stew that will surely become a household favorite.
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