Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew

4.3

(34)

30 Reviews

This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad.

Adam Dolge

Updated on May 10, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Prep Time:

15 mins

Active Time:

10 mins

Additional Time:

7 hrs 20 mins

Total Time:

7 hrs 45 mins

Servings:

Yield:

7 1/2 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Nut-Free Soy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Tips from the Test Kitchen

How to Safely Cook Cannellini Beans in a Slow Cooker

When preparing dried cannellini beans, the FDA recommends soaking them overnight, then boiling them for 30 minutes.

1. Soak the dried cannellini beans for a minimum of 5 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the soaked beans and put them in a large pot. Add enough fresh water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Boil the beans for 30 minutes.

3. Drain the beans and use them in your slow cooker recipe.

Can I Use Canned Beans Instead?

You sure can! Substitute 4 (15 ounce) cans of no-salt-added cannellini beans (rinsed) for the soaked dried beans.

Why Should I Add Parmesan Rind?

Parmesan rind is the outer layer that forms on the cheese as it ages. Instead of throwing the Parmesan rind away after grating the cheese, save it for soups and stews. It can be used to infuse your soups and stews with a rich and savory umami flavor. Although it's completely edible, Parmesan rind is typically discarded after cooking. If you don't have Parmesan rind on hand, feel free to omit it.

Can I Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can. Bone-in chicken breasts add more depth and flavor to the stew, but you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.

Additional reporting by Jan Valdez

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Ingredients

1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained (see Tip, above)
6 cups unsalted chicken broth
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 (4 ounce) Parmesan cheese rind plus 2/3 cup grated Parmesan, divided
2 bone-in chicken breasts (1 pound each)
4 cups chopped kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves

Directions

Combine beans, broth, onion, carrots, rosemary and Parmesan rind in a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with chicken. Cover and cook on Low until the beans and vegetables are tender, 7 to 8 hours.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board; let stand until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken, discarding bones.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir in kale. Cover and cook on High until the kale is tender, 20 to 30 minutes.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper; discard the Parmesan rind. Serve the stew drizzled with oil and sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Equipment

6-qt. slow cooker

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2019

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

493	Calories
11g	Fat
54g	Carbs
44g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 1/4 cups
Calories 493
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 54g	20%
Dietary Fiber 27g	98%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 44g	88%
Total Fat 11g	14%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 68mg	23%
Vitamin A 4793IU	96%
Vitamin C 20mg	23%
Folate 32mcg	8%
Sodium 518mg	23%
Calcium 199mg	15%
Iron 7mg	39%
Magnesium 149mg	35%
Potassium 1557mg	33%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.