Tomato Soup, Meet Chicken Stew ♡
I could happily eat tomato soup any day of the year. But when I’m craving something a little heartier (with more protein!), this one-pot tomato basil chicken stew is such a winner.
It’s loaded up with tender chicken, potatoes, mushrooms, and carrots all simmered together in a rich, thick and creamy tomato-basil broth. We love serving it with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping, but it would also be delicious served over egg noodles, rice or your favorite grains. Whatever sounds good!
I actually first shared a version of this recipe over a decade ago, but reworked it recently to make it even heartier and more flavorful and I’m so pleased with the results. It’s one of those soul-warming stews that I’m certain we’ll be making in our kitchen for many more years to come. I think you’re going to love it!
Recipe Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make your Tomato Basil Chicken Stew turn out perfectly every time:
- Sear the chicken for flavor. Browning the chicken first adds a rich, caramelized depth that seasons the whole stew.
- Simmer gently. Once you add the chicken back in, keep the heat low so everything cooks evenly without drying out the meat.
- Finish with fresh basil. Stirring in basil right before serving brightens up the entire dish.
- Serve with a garnish. Highly recommend a generous sprinkle of Parmesan for a pop of umami flavor!
Recipe Variations
This stew is super adaptable! Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:
- Make it dairy-free. Swap the cream for coconut milk or omit it entirely for a lighter broth.
- Add greens. Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Boost the veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans would all be delicious additions.
- Try a different protein. Use Italian sausage, ground turkey, or white beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make it spicy. Increase the red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for some heat.
FAQ
Yes — skip the searing step and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Yes! Sauté the aromatics first, then combine everything (except cream and basil) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. Stir in the cream and basil at the end.
Yes! Let the stew cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed.
More Chicken Soups To Try!
Love chicken soups as much as we do? Here are a few more favorites to try:
Tomato Basil Chicken Stew
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 8 ounces baby bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- freshly-grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pot in a single layer. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables. Add the onion and carrots to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add mushrooms and cook another 3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Build the broth. Add the potatoes, crushed tomatoes, 2 cups chicken stock, oregano, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, then return chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with cream and basil. Stir in the fresh basil and heavy cream, and discard the bay leaf. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls, top with extra basil and Parmesan if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
This turned out amazing. I’ll be making this more often as one of my healthy meals to stick with my diet in the winter.
Awesome receipe! Will definitely be making it again!
I made this in the crock pot for our Sunday lunch gathering before our grandson’s last “fall ball” baseball game and it was great! I used diced fire roasted tomatoes, added a second can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans and 2 cups of chicken broth, but did not add the spinach. I had precooked the chicken, but don’t think I would have needed to. Cooked on hi for 3 hours. Served with a little grated Parmesan cheese. It was delish!
Fantastic.. I’ve made this like 3 times.
I switched it up and use frozen onion, red peppers and celery, adding fresh onion and jarred garlic.
2 bags of spinach, and two 28oz size tomatoes.
I also use rotisserie chicken.
I’m going to try a sausage too….
Soo delicious and easy! I doubled the recipe so we’ll be having it all week! :)
This was amazing I did leave out the red pepper flakes, I can not do hot things. My husbands loved it. I can’t wait to make it again
My whole family loves this stew! My daughter-in-law is a vegetarian, so I go overboard on the veggies and scoop hers out just before I add the shredded chicken.
I made this using fresh tomatoes which I crushed by hand when adding. Had to add some water. Probably used too much garlic but it turned out really good. I’ll definitely make it again . Extra yummy!!!
I made this last night and it was such a hearty, healthy, comfort meal!! I halved the recipe, shredding one large chicken breast, using a lot of spinach and the same amount of carrots/celery. I also added in about 3/4 cup of chicken stock, a dash of cayenne and oregano. Served with cheese toast and a sprinkle of parm on top!
I didn’t follow exactly, since I didn’t have all the ingredients. I left out the spinach and beans and used some salsa instead of the tomatoes. Hubby doesn’t like spinach and beans, so that worked fine. I also used a whole large onion, instead of one small white onion. The flavors meld so well together. Oh, and I added raw chopped chicken and sautéed it into the onions, carrots, celery and garlic before adding the salsa. Really good. Served over rice and also put some over grits, like we do sometimes in Louisiana. Great both ways!