Description
This flavorful and hearty chicken stew combines tender chicken breasts with black beans, cream cheese, salsa, corn, and green peppers, slow-cooked to perfection. It can be served on its own, over rice, or with cornbread for a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Beans
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 20 oz black beans (1 can), drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Flavorings
- ½ cup diced green pepper
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauces
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into squares
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then place them into the slow cooker bowl.
- Add the beans: Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly, then add them to the slow cooker bowl with the chicken.
- Incorporate the cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into squares and add it to the slow cooker bowl with the other ingredients.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the salsa, add the frozen corn, diced green pepper, minced garlic, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- First cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Final cooking: Continue cooking the entire stew for another hour on high or 2 hours on low to blend flavors and warm the shredded chicken through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken stew over rice or with your choice of cornbread for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for meal prepping as it reheats well and flavors deepen over time.
- For a spicier stew, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using fresh corn instead of frozen will add a sweeter flavor, but frozen works well for convenience.
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat.
- Leftover stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Stew
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American