Spicy Chicken With Beans
A flavorful spicy chicken and bean stew with tomatoes, jalapenos, and cheese, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal with bold flavors suited for casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground raw chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 pickled jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream or shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- sliced green onion (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook ground chicken, chopped onion, and minced garlic in hot oil over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink and onion is tender.
- Drain excess fat from the saucepan.
- Add ground cumin, salt, and pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in undrained chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, and jalapeno peppers if desired.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add rinsed and drained black beans and Great Northern beans; heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. If you're out of black beans, you can substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans. Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapenos based on your taste. Serve this dish with warm tortillas to soak up the sauce, making it a delightful addition to any Mexican recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy chicken with beans over a bed of rice or alongside cornbread for a hearty meal. Top with a dollop of sour cream or shredded Cheddar cheese to balance the heat. Sliced green onions make a fresh garnish. This dish pairs beautifully with Stuffed Wrapped Jalapenos for a full-flavored Mexican feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, ensuring it’s heated through. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken With Beans contains roughly 1110 calories, with 64g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (128% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), and iron (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1577mg per serving (69% 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 ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and flavor, making it a healthier option if desired. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure it is fully cooked.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the ground chicken with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor while maintaining the hearty nature of the dish.
What sides go well with spicy chicken and beans?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Mexican rice or a fresh salad with lime vinaigrette. Cornbread or tortilla chips can also complement the flavors nicely. For a refreshing drink, pair it with a chilled margarita or iced tea.
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).