Pace Chili-Chicken Stew
A hearty, flavorful chili-chicken stew featuring tender chicken, tomatoes, pinto beans, and a spicy Pace picante sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
- Cook chicken, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic in vegetable oil in a Dutch oven until the chicken loses its pink color.
- Add stewed tomatoes, pinto beans, Pace picante sauce, chili powder, and salt; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, additional chopped onion, sour cream, and more picante sauce as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Pace picante sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with diced zucchini or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add corn for sweetness or use black beans instead of pinto beans for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili-chicken stew with warm tortillas or over rice for a hearty meal. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added richness. This stew pairs beautifully with Harwood'S Enchilada Soup for a complete Mexican-themed dinner or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh garden salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For a thicker stew, add a bit of water or broth as needed. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pace Chili-Chicken Stew contains roughly 695 calories, with 31g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2031mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this stew?
Absolutely! While pinto beans are traditional, you can easily substitute them with black beans or kidney beans depending on your preference. Just ensure that you drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the stew to reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when cooking. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or use a spicier picante sauce. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level without overwhelming the dish.
Is there a way to make this stew healthier?
Yes! Consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture. You can also reduce the amount of oil used or substitute it with a healthier option like olive oil. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables, such as carrots or spinach, can boost the nutritional value of the stew.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).