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Festive Christmas Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 122 reviews

This Festive Christmas Tuscan Vegetable Chicken Stew is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for the holiday season. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and seasoned with Italian herbs, this stew blends rich flavors into a delightful winter warmer. The addition of cider vinegar adds a subtle tang, and fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese enhance the savory finish, making it an ideal festive dish to enjoy with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups carrots, chopped
  • 2 cups celery, chopped
  • 1 large zucchini, chopped
  • 1 sweet red bell pepper, chopped

Stew Base

  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 19 oz. can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained

Protein and Greens

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add vegetables: Incorporate the chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, and sweet red bell pepper into the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Create the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the stew later.
  4. Add liquid and seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then add Italian seasoning, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Incorporate beans and tomatoes: Stir in the drained cannellini beans and undrained diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Add chicken and spinach: Mix in the chopped cooked chicken breast and fresh spinach leaves. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes until the spinach wilts and chicken is heated through.
  7. Finish with vinegar and garnish: Stir in the cider vinegar to brighten the stew’s flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a spicier stew, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
  • You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken for a more festive twist.
  • Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor, or low-sodium broth to control salt content.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, simmer longer to reduce liquid or add an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux step.
  • To make this stew gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.

Keywords: Tuscan chicken stew, Christmas stew, winter vegetable stew, comforting chicken recipe, Italian seasoning stew

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/festive-christmas-tuscan-vegetable-chicken-stew-recipe/