Name: Low-Cal Southwest Chicken Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Southwest American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Juice of 1 lime; Optional toppings: avocado slices, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream

This Low-Cal Southwest Chicken Stew is a crockpot wonder packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and wholesome vegetables. It’s the perfect blend of savory and zesty flavors, delivering a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and guilt-free. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables the night before for a quicker morning setup.
Layering Matters: Place denser vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
Don’t Skip the Lime: Fresh lime juice enhances the flavors of the stew.
Adjust Heat Levels: Add or reduce chili powder to match your spice tolerance.
Garnish Freely: Top with avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese for extra flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Low-Cal Southwest Chicken Stew for its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s a healthy yet hearty dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare—just set it and forget it! The recipe is perfect for meal prep, feeding a crowd, or warming up a cold evening. Plus, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you more time to enjoy your day. Whether you’re following a calorie-conscious diet or simply crave bold, comforting meals, this stew delivers in every way.

Yield: 6 servings

Low-Cal Southwest Chicken Stew

This hearty, low-calorie Southwest Chicken Stew combines bold spices, tender chicken, and wholesome veggies in an easy crockpot recipe.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Optional toppings: avocado slices, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans.
Layer Ingredients: In the crockpot, layer chicken breasts, black beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, onion, and garlic.
Season the Stew: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
Add Liquid: Pour chicken broth over the top, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
Set the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return them to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
Finish with Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the stew and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the stew into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño along with the other vegetables.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 372Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 102mgSodium 267mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 7gSugar 4gProtein 44g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken Breast: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts keep the dish low in calories while adding heartiness. Substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Black Beans and Corn: These provide fiber, texture, and a touch of sweetness. Use canned or frozen for convenience.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Offer a smoky depth of flavor. Regular canned tomatoes work too, but you may want to add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Green Chilies: Mildly spicy and tangy, these are a Southwest essential. Adjust the quantity to taste.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control the salt levels while providing a flavorful base.
Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika): These give the dish its signature Southwest flair. Feel free to experiment with spice combinations.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey, lean pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetables: Add zucchini, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and variety.
Beans: Pinto or kidney beans can replace black beans if desired.
Spices: Experiment with smoked paprika, coriander, or chipotle powder for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Thickening Options: Stir in a small amount of cornmeal or mash some of the beans to thicken the stew naturally.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep: Divide into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.