Hearty Chicken Chili Taco Stew
This Hearty Chicken Chili Taco Stew is a delightful twist on traditional taco flavors, inspired by my dear friend Shelly. Over the years, I've made some modifications to cater to my family's tastes, transforming it into an all-time favorite! Packed with nutritious ingredients, this stew boasts a warm, comforting texture and a zesty kick that makes it perfect for any season. It's low in points for those following Weight Watchers but rich in flavor for everyone to enjoy. Serve it as a cozy dinner or as a dip for a fun family snack—the choice is yours!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned chicken (white meat)
1 (10 ounce) can (drained and shredded)
Green pepper
1 (chopped)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Rotel (or canned tomatoes)
1 (10 ounce) can (diced)
Chili beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Corn
1 (16 ounce) can (drained or use frozen corn)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Pace Picante Sauce
1 1/2 cups
Chicken broth
1 (14 ounce) can
Instructions
1
In a large pot, spray cooking oil and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the canned chicken, breaking it apart gently with a spoon, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3
Stir in the remaining ingredients: Rotel (or canned tomatoes), chili beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, Pace Picante Sauce, and chicken broth.
4
Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat to low, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
5
Alternatively, for a slow cooker method, combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours without pre-sautéing the vegetables.
6
When ready to serve, offer optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocados, and crushed tortilla chips. This makes for a fun, interactive dining experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Chicken Chili Taco Stew?
It is a delightful twist on traditional taco flavors that combines the characteristics of a warm, comforting stew with a zesty chili kick.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the creator's dear friend, Shelly, and has been modified over the years to fit family tastes.
Is this stew suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is noted as being low in points for those following Weight Watchers while remaining rich in flavor.
How many ingredients are in the Hearty Chicken Chili Taco Stew?
The recipe requires 12 main ingredients.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of white meat canned chicken, drained and shredded.
Which vegetables need to be sautéed first?
You should sauté the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic together until softened.
How long do the vegetables take to sauté?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use one 10-ounce can of Rotel or any canned diced tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the chili beans?
Yes, the recipe instructs to use one 15-ounce can of chili beans, drained.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either one 16-ounce can of drained corn or an equivalent amount of frozen corn.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What type of sauce provides the taco flavor?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of Pace Picante Sauce to provide its signature flavor and zesty kick.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need one 14-ounce can of chicken broth.
How long does the stew simmer on the stove?
Once all ingredients are combined, let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables if using a slow cooker?
No, the slow cooker method allows you to combine all ingredients without pre-sautéing the vegetables.
How should the canned chicken be added to the pot?
Add the canned chicken to the sautéed vegetables and break it apart gently with a spoon while cooking for about 2 minutes.
What are the recommended toppings for this stew?
Optional toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocados, and crushed tortilla chips.
Can I serve this as a snack instead of a meal?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it can be served as a cozy dinner or as a dip for a fun family snack.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as an all-time family favorite and is noted for being family-friendly in the tags.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The two garlic cloves should be minced before being sautéed.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be chopped before adding it to the pot.
How many green peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 1 green pepper, which should be chopped.
What is the suggested cooking oil for sautéing?
The instructions suggest using a spray cooking oil to coat the large pot.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
While specific nutritional values aren't provided, the stew contains fiber-rich ingredients like beans, corn, peppers, and onions.
Is the picante sauce mild or spicy?
The recipe doesn't specify a heat level, but mentions it provides a zesty kick; you can choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference.
How do you make the dining experience interactive?
Offering various toppings for guests to add themselves creates a fun, interactive dining experience.
What size can of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for a 10-ounce can of canned chicken.
What is the main protein source?
The primary protein is canned white meat chicken, supplemented by chili beans.
What is the overall texture of the stew?
The stew is described as having a warm and comforting texture.