Mediterranean Chicken and White Bean Stew
Tender chicken thighs simmered with zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs in a garlic-herb broth, ready in under 5 hours with minimal prep. This mediterranean-inspired slow cooker (whole30) ready in about 250 minutes pairs pounds, skinless chicken thighs, medium, sliced 1/2-inch thick zucchini, (14.5 oz), no salt added diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 medium, sliced 1/2-inch thick zucchini
- 1 can (14.5 oz), no salt added diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, then sear the 1.25 pounds chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, transferring to the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the 2 medium sliced zucchinis, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon sea salt to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Step 3: Pour in the 1 can diced tomatoes, add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest, then stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Chicken and White Bean Stew take to make?
Total time is about 250 minutes (10 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Chicken and White Bean Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Chicken and White Bean Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mediterranean Chicken and White Bean Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mediterranean Chicken and White Bean Stew whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
