There’s something so refreshing about a warm bowl of Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) that just feels like a hug in a dish! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this for family dinners or cozy nights in. The vibrant flavors of juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil blend together beautifully, making this stew not only delicious but also a healthy option. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s quick to whip up and perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers will have everyone wandering in and asking, “What’s cooking?” Plus, it’s light on calories but packed with protein, making it a guilt-free comfort food you’ll keep coming back to!
Ingredients List
To create this delightful Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light), you’ll need just a few fresh ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained for extra flavor
- 1 onion, chopped finely for sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped, because it’s all about that freshness!
- 1 teaspoon olive oil for sautéing
- Salt to taste, to enhance those flavors
- Pepper to taste, for just the right amount of spice
How to Prepare Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light)
Making this Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step! You’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this dish is.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large pot and heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Next, add the diced chicken to the pot. Stir it around and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned on all sides. Make sure it’s cooked through; nobody wants raw chicken in their stew!
- Now, it’s time to add in that vibrant can of diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in all those delicious bits.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking. I usually start with a pinch of each and adjust later.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully, so don’t rush it!
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil. This gives the stew a fresh, aromatic finish that you won’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s bursting with fresh flavors from the tomatoes and basil that will make your taste buds dance!
- This Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) is incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights.
- It’s a healthy dish, low in calories but high in protein, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
- One pot means easy cleanup, which is always a win in my book!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To make your Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) absolutely perfect, here are some tips I swear by! First, don’t skip on the fresh basil—it’s what elevates this stew! Always add it at the end to keep its vibrant flavor. If you find the stew too thick, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. And, remember to taste as you go; seasoning is key! If you’re not a fan of big chunks, you can blend the stew for a creamier texture. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering process; let those flavors develop for the best outcome. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light), there are plenty of fun variations to try! For a heartier stew, toss in some diced carrots or zucchini along with the chicken. You could also swap out the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist! If you want to spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs too; a bit of thyme or oregano can add a new depth to the dish. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) is super easy! Just let the stew cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When it comes time to reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen, and then heat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly, and if it seems a bit thick, just add a splash of chicken broth to restore that lovely consistency. Enjoy every delicious bite again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, everyone’s needs can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose, so keep that in mind! However, here are the typical nutritional values you can expect from a bowl of this delightful Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light): approximately 220 calories, 5g of fat, 28g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. With just 4g of sugar and 3g of fiber, it’s a wholesome choice that fits well into a low-calorie diet. Just remember, these values are estimates, so always check your specific ingredients for the most accurate information! Enjoy this tasty stew guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this stew?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing and cooking. You can quickly defrost it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! This Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I serve with this stew?
I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up all that yummy broth! A simple green salad on the side also complements it perfectly.
Is this stew gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, this stew is naturally gluten-free. Always check your labels just to be safe!
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just add them at the same time as the chicken for optimal cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of tomatoes, you can read more about it here.
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Tomato Basil Chicken Stew (light) That Comforts in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and flavorful tomato basil chicken stew.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
- Add diced chicken, cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add fresh basil just before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Tomato Basil Chicken Stew, light chicken stew, healthy chicken recipe