Zesty Southwest Chicken and Bean Stew
This Zesty Southwest Chicken and Bean Stew is a delicious, vibrant dish that brings the warmth and flavors of the Southwest right to your dinner table. Bursting with protein-rich chicken, hearty beans, and a medley of vegetables, this satisfying stew can be customized to suit any craving, whether you prefer it as a thick stew served over fluffy rice or a thinner soup with a splash of chicken broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it, resulting in a meal that is both convenient and packed with flavor. Your family will love the colorful presentation and the zesty kick that brings a delightful twist to traditional stew.
5
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (chopped)
kidney beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
black beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
frozen corn
1 1/2 cups (not prepared)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (not prepared)
diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (or 2 cans for extra flavor)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (not prepared)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (not prepared)
Tabasco sauce
to taste (not prepared)
chicken broth
1 cup (less if a thicker stew is desired)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, kidney beans, black beans, frozen corn, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning.
2
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the slow cooker, pressing them down slightly.
3
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the stew.
5
If a thinner consistency is desired, stir in the chicken broth and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
6
Adjust seasoning with Tabasco sauce to taste, and serve hot.
7
This stew pairs well with rice, cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
36g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwest Chicken and Bean Stew?
It is a vibrant, protein-rich dish featuring chicken, beans, and vegetables with Southwest flavors.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What are the main ingredients in this stew?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, kidney beans, black beans, corn, onion, and tomato sauce.
Is this recipe made in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is designed as a convenient slow cooker meal.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
It takes between 6 to 8 hours when cooked on the low setting.
How long does it take to cook on the high setting?
It takes between 3 to 4 hours when cooked on the high setting.
What types of beans are included?
The recipe uses both kidney beans and black beans.
Do I need to prepare the frozen corn before adding it?
No, the frozen corn is added directly to the slow cooker without prior preparation.
Should the beans be drained before use?
Yes, both the kidney beans and black beans should be drained and rinsed.
How do I shred the chicken after cooking?
Remove the cooked breasts and use two forks to shred the meat before returning it to the slow cooker.
Can I turn this stew into a soup?
Yes, you can add chicken broth to achieve a thinner soup consistency.
When should I add the chicken broth?
Add the broth after shredding the chicken if a thinner consistency is desired, then cook for 30 more minutes.
How can I make the stew spicier?
You can add Tabasco sauce to taste or use two cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What serving sides are recommended?
It pairs well with rice, cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 4g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 16g of protein.
What makes this stew Southwest style?
The combination of black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and green chilies provides its Southwest flair.
Can I use more tomatoes for extra flavor?
Yes, the recipe suggests using up to 2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, it is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that is perfect for busy schedules.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe requires one medium chopped onion.
Is the taco seasoning prepared before adding?
No, use one 1 1/4 ounce envelope of dry taco seasoning as is.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 36g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use a different type of seasoning?
While taco seasoning is recommended, you can customize the spices to suit your preference.
What is the texture of the stew?
It is a hearty, thick stew that can be customized to be thinner with broth.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is low in fat and contains protein-rich chicken and fiber-rich beans.
How do I adjust the consistency?
Stir in chicken broth to thin it or leave it as is for a thicker texture.
What is the preparation for the kidney beans?
They should be drained and rinsed from a 15 1/2 ounce can.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be chopped before being added to the slow cooker.