Santa Fe Chicken Stew
A hearty, flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken stew with tomatoes, beans, corn, and green chilies, perfect for warming up and satisfying a crowd with cheesy toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 pkg. taco seasonings/spices ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. cooked shredded chicken ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
- shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat vegetable oil.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add taco seasonings/spices, diced tomatoes (undrained), drained pinto beans, drained corn, and drained green chilies; blend well.
- In a small bowl, gradually blend chicken broth into cornstarch using a wire whisk.
- Stir the mixture into the stew.
- Add cooked shredded chicken and stir.
- Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish each serving with sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. You can substitute black beans or kidney beans for pinto beans if preferred. To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This stew can also be made in a slow cooker; just combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For more inspiration, check out Chicken Cilantro (Pollo Al Cilantro) or other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stew hot in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side salad or over rice. This stew also makes a hearty filling for Chicken Chalupas(Little Boats) if you're looking for something different.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Santa Fe Chicken Stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken Stew contains roughly 1020 calories, with 35g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1863mg per serving (81% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken. Simply add bite-sized pieces of raw chicken to the pot after sautéing the onions. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, then follow the recipe as usual. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and replace it with additional beans or cooked lentils. You can also enhance the flavor with extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat to your Santa Fe Chicken Stew, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the spice level to your personal preference for the perfect kick!
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).