This healthy Southwestern Mexican inspired stew is flavorful, satisfying – and perfect for the slow cooker. Just combine the ingredients in the crockpot and forget about it until dinnertime!
Here I have chosen to use economical, boneless skinless chicken thighs that cook up melt-in-your-mouth tender, but skinless chicken breasts (or a combination of thighs and breasts) can also be used. My secret trick for thickening the sauce is to mix in cornmeal at the end of the cooking process. It not only thickens the chili quickly and smoothly, it kicks up the great Southwestern-style flavor (and it keeps the dish gluten-free!).
Serve it in a bowl alone topped with traditional garnishes like chopped green onion, cilantro, light sour cream, and creamy avocado slices, or spoon it over brown rice. For crunch, a few baked tortilla chips are a nice touch. To complete the meal just add a salad!
Ingredients
2¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, visible fat removed, cut into 1-inch pieces (or chicken tenders cut in half)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup water
1 (12-ounce) jar salsa verde (mild or medium heat)
1 (7-ounce) can diced green chilies
1 (15-ounce) can reduced-sodium white beans, rinsed and drained
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
1 tablespoon cornmeal
Instructions
1. Heat a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker on high for five minutes. Add the first 9 ingredients (chicken through cumin) to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
3. Remove the cover and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir in the salt and the cornmeal, let sit for five minutes or until thickened to desired consistency, stir again, and serve.
Marlene Says: For authentic Mexican flair, replace the water with one cup of your favorite beer. The chicken in this recipe can also be used to fill tacos, enchiladas or burritos.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING (1 cup): Calories 240 | Carbohydrate 16g (Sugars 4g) | Total Fat 5g (Sat Fat 1.5g) | Protein 29g | Fiber 3g | Cholesterol 105mg | Sodium 630mg | Food Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat, 1 Starch | Carbohydrate Choices: 1 | Weight Watcher Smart Point Comparison: Green 5, Blue 3, Purple 3 (Blue and Purple are 1 if made with chicken tenders)
