Slow Cooker Chicken and Lima Beans

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Lima Beans recipe turns simple ingredients into a warm, filling, and comforting meal. Tender chicken thighs cook slowly with dried lima beans in a flavorful broth, allowing the flavors to blend together while the beans become soft and creamy.

As the chicken cooks, it adds richness to the broth, creating a hearty stew-like dish that requires very little preparation. With no need for overnight bean soaking, this recipe is an easy option for busy days when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort.

🍲 Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (4–6 pieces)	2 pounds
Dried lima beans, rinsed and sorted	1 pound
Low-sodium chicken broth (or water with 2 bouillon cubes)	6 cups
Kosher salt	1½ teaspoons
Freshly ground black pepper	1 teaspoon
Extra hot broth or water (optional)	As needed

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Clean the Beans

Place the dried lima beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cool water. Remove any damaged beans or unwanted pieces.

Tip: Pre-soaking is not necessary. The slow cooker provides enough cooking time for the beans to soften naturally.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Spread the rinsed lima beans evenly across the bottom of a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker. Place the chicken thighs on top of the beans.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and beans until the ingredients are mostly covered. Add a little extra water if needed.

Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over the mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook until the beans are soft and the chicken is tender.

Cooking Options:

• Low: 8–10 hours for the most tender texture
• High: 4–5 hours

The dish is ready when the beans are creamy and the chicken easily separates from the bone.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Remove the bones and shred the meat into smaller pieces using two forks.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the shredded chicken and any collected juices to the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the meat blends with the beans and broth.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

If the mixture becomes thicker than desired, add a small amount of hot broth or water until you reach the preferred consistency.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting if needed. Spoon the chicken and lima beans into bowls and serve hot.

Add extra black pepper on top for additional flavor if desired.

🍞 Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty dish with:

• Warm crusty bread
• Homemade cornbread
• A fresh green salad

This simple slow cooker meal delivers classic comfort-food flavor with minimal preparation and a satisfying homemade taste.