🍲 Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly)

This rustic, soul-warming stew is everything we love about slow cooking: simple, nourishing, and full of flavor. It's perfect for the busy momma who wants to serve her family something wholesome—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for a crowd, or just want a cozy dinner to gather around, this Tuscan-inspired chicken stew is a nourishing go-to. Full of veggies, herbs, and tender shredded chicken, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.

🌿 Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker:

• 6–8 boneless chicken thighs

• 2 carrots, peeled & sliced

• 2 stalks celery, sliced

• 1 small-medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced

• 12 baby potatoes (left whole or halved)

• 1¾ cups chicken stock

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but adds depth)

• 2 tbsp white wine (optional for flavor boost)

• 1 tsp fennel seeds, crushed

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

Just Before Serving:

• ¼ cup water

• 2 tbsp cornstarch (or 1 tbsp arrowroot powder)

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

To Serve:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Crusty bread or focaccia

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Assemble:
   Add chicken thighs, vegetables, stock, tomato paste, wine, crushed fennel seeds, salt, and rosemary into your slow cooker.

2. Cook:
   Set to low heat and cook for 4–6 hours, until chicken is tender and veggies are soft.

3. Thicken:
   In the final 30 minutes, whisk together water + cornstarch (or arrowroot). Stir into the stew with the balsamic vinegar. Turn heat to high and let it gently thicken.

4. Shred Chicken:
   Remove the chicken, shred with two forks (or hand mixer), then return it to the stew. Discard the rosemary sprig.

5. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with your favorite rustic bread.

🧊 Make-Ahead Freezer Instructions

• Add all ingredients except the water, cornstarch, and balsamic into a freezer-safe bag.

• Keep baby potatoes whole for best texture.

• Remove as much air as possible, label, and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Thaw completely before cooking as directed.

💛 Holistic Momma Tips:

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, if you prefer leaner meat.

• Add a handful of kale or spinach at the end for a boost of greens.

• This stew is gluten-free and easy to adapt for grain-free lifestyles.

🥖 Serve It With:

• Warm focaccia, gluten-free rolls, or a hunk of sourdough

• A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette

• A quiet moment of gratitude 🙏

✨ Rooted in nourishment. Seasoned with love.

Let this stew remind you: simple food can be deeply healing. From our kitchen to yours — enjoy!