When you want a meal that delivers deep, satisfying flavors while filling your home with the most comforting aromas, this Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew creates the ultimate cozy dinner through layers of smoky sausage, tender chicken, and creamy white beans simmered in a rich tomato broth. Each spoonful delivers protein-packed heartiness balanced with aromatic vegetables and herbs, creating a complete meal in one pot that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in just over an hour. The combination of two proteins with tender beans creates incredible depth, while crusty bread for dipping makes every bowl a complete, soul-warming experience. Perfect for chilly evenings, casual entertaining, or meal prep that feeds the family for days, this recipe serves 6-8 people and takes about 75 minutes from start to finish.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes prep, 55 minutes simmering
Serves: 6-8 people
What You’ll Need
For the proteins:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the base:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the liquid and beans:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 2 cans white beans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For finishing:
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crusty bread for serving
Preparing the Proteins
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Dry meat browns better and develops more flavor during the initial sear.
Browning the Sausage
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Searing the Chicken
Add the remaining oil to the pot and increase heat to high. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Building Flavor Foundation
Remove the chicken and reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with all those flavorful browned bits. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
Adding Aromatic Depth
Add the minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
Creating Rich Base
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. This caramelizes the tomato paste and adds deep, concentrated flavor to the stew.
Deglazing for Flavor
Pour in about 1 cup of the chicken broth and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. These bits are pure flavor that will enrich the entire stew.
Building the Stew Base
Add the remaining chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors into a cohesive base.
Returning the Proteins
Add the browned chicken and sausage back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. The proteins will finish cooking in the flavorful liquid while adding their own richness to the broth.
Adding the Beans
Stir in the drained white beans. The beans will absorb the flavors while adding creaminess and heartiness that makes this stew so satisfying and filling.
The Long Simmer
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 35-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Testing for Doneness
The stew is ready when the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork, the vegetables are soft, and the flavors have melded together beautifully. The liquid should have reduced slightly and thickened.
Adding Fresh Greens
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt quickly and add color, nutrition, and a fresh element that balances the rich stew.
Final Seasoning
Remove the bay leaves and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The lemon brightens all the rich flavors beautifully.
Perfect Consistency
The stew should be thick and hearty, not soupy. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. If too thick, add a splash more broth.
Serving Rustic Style
Ladle the hot stew into deep bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of chicken, sausage, beans, and vegetables. The variety in each spoonful is what makes this stew so satisfying.
Bread Pairing
Serve with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. The bread turns this stew into a complete, satisfying meal.
Wine Pairing
This hearty stew pairs beautifully with medium-bodied red wines like Côtes du Rhône or Chianti, or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for contrast.
Make-Ahead Benefits
This stew actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it up to 3 days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Storage Guidelines
Store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The beans may soften further, but the flavor remains excellent.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the consistency. Avoid high heat which can make the chicken tough.
Customization Options
Try different sausages like andouille for Cajun flair or Italian sausage for different spice profiles. Add potatoes or other root vegetables for extra heartiness.
Slow Cooker Adaptation
Brown the meats and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Benefits
This stew provides complete protein from two sources, fiber from beans and vegetables, and vitamins from the greens, making it a nutritionally complete meal.
This Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew proves that the best comfort food comes from simple ingredients layered with technique and patience. Each bowl delivers warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction, creating the kind of meal that brings families together around the table and makes even the coldest evenings feel cozy and welcoming.
