Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Stew
A deeply smoky, protein-packed stew simmered to tender perfection with smoky chipotle, earthy black beans, and sweet corn. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, black beans, corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can, undrained diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 1 diced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 minced chipotle pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano into the slow cooker. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, then stir to combine.
- Step 2: Add 1 (15 oz) can black beans and 1 cup corn kernels, stirring gently to distribute.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with 2 tbsp fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Stew take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken and Black Bean Stew?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
