Go Back

Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Stew

This hearty stew is made in the slow cooker, combining tender chicken thighs, creamy beans, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a smoky broth. The dish develops a rich, comforting texture with tender meat and a flavorful, slightly thickened broth, perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a simple, no-fuss meal that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and is easily assembled ahead of time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 red bell peppers deseeded and diced
  • 2 green bell peppers deseeded and diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed, added at the end

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Gather your ingredients: chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice the bell peppers, and measure out your spices and broth. Set everything within easy reach for smooth assembly.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and cook the chicken pieces for about 5 minutes until they develop a light golden color and smell savory. This step adds depth to the flavor, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
  3. While the chicken cooks, dice the bell peppers and prepare the tomato paste, measuring out the spices. The peppers should be vibrant and slightly softened after a quick sauté or just diced raw if you prefer.
  4. Add the cooked chicken, diced peppers, drained beans, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and broth into the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours. As it cooks, the flavors will meld, and the chicken will become tender while the broth thickens slightly and develops a smoky aroma.
  6. Once the cooking time is up, open the lid and stir in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Let the stew rest for a few minutes, then ladle into bowls. The dish should be thick, fragrant, and filled with tender chicken and beans, ready to serve hot with your favorite sides.