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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Jan 23, 2023 |

    Spicy Chipotle Chicken and Butter Bean Stew

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    A spicy twist on a traditional chicken and butter bean stew recipe takes this dish to the next level. Serve with some fresh crusty bread for mopping up the delicious sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Easily meal prepped and kept in the fridge or freezer for a busy night.

    Want it to be less spicy so you can serve the kids? Simply leave out the poblano pepper and you are good to go.

    a white bowl with a spicy chicken and butter bean stew being spooned out. There is some fresh crusty bread and parsley in the background
    Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving for a fun pop of color.

    Pair with some Instant pot Mexican rice for a complete meal.

    Spicy Chipotle Chicken and Butter Bean Stew

    Jump to:
    • Spicy Chipotle Chicken and Butter Bean Stew
    • What You Need
    • How To Make
    • Storing and Freezing Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Need More Comfort Food Recipes Like This
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe

    This spicy white bean stew is the perfect meal for a cold and windy night.

    With a hint of spice for some extra warmth, this big bowl of comfort will have you feeling like you are snuggled in front of the fire in no time.

    If it's a hot night, simply pair it with a nice light glass of chilled white wine or rosé and it will have you enjoying those hot summer nights Mexican(ish) style.

    So versatile, so good!

    A white bowl containing a red tomato based stew and topped with some crusty bread and a silver spoon
    Fresh crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce.

    What You Need

    The ingredient list for this recipe might seem to be a little on the long side, however, other than the chipotles in adobo, everything should be relatively easy to find in a well-stocked grocery store.

    If you do find it hard to find any of the ingredients listed, I have provided a couple of substitutions for you below.

    The best thing about this recipe is that it is so versatile that substitutions will not detract from the flavor at all.

    • olive oil: or any other cooking oil of choice;
    • yellow or white onion: either one, it doesn't matter;
    • poblano: this is optional, if you would prefer the chicken and bean stew to be less on the spicy side, or you simply cannot find a poblano pepper, then just leave it out;
    • celery stalks;
    • fennel seeds: these can be found in the spice aisle;
    • Italian seasoning: found in the spice aisle;
    • fresh garlic: you can easily use pre-prepared garlic paste here if preferred;
    • tomato paste:
    • chipotles in adobo sauce: this can be found in the Mexican food section or International section of most grocery stores. Chipotles aren't overly spicy, however, if someone in the family is completely averse to any heat then I would go ahead and leave them out and simply add some to the meals of the spice lovers at the end of the cook;
    • chicken broth: you can use a vegetable broth here instead if preferred;
    • diced tomatoes: I use the canned variety for this recipe to save on time, but if you prefer fresh tomatoes then simply chop up an equal amount;
    • fire-roasted diced tomatoes: you should be able to find these next to the regular diced tomatoes. If you can't find any then you can simply replace them with some regular diced tomatoes, but please note you will miss out on some of the complexity of flavor you get from the fire-roasted version;
    • butter beans: these can be replaced by any similarly sized bean like cannellini beans or great northern beans if that is what you have. There are slight differences in texture and firmness etc, but nothing too drastic (why not make your own instant pot great northern beans);
    • boneless skinless chicken breast: I use raw chicken in this recipe and it is added early on in the cook to ensure it is cooked through. If you have pre-cooked chicken, leftover chicken, or a rotisserie chicken you want to use, then simply add this later in the cook, right when you add the beans to the pot to prevent overcooking;
    • Fresh parsley: this is simply a garnish to add a pop of color to the meal, leave it out if you don't have any, or simply replace it with dried parsley.

    This really is a very versatile recipe, so feel free to play around and make it your own.

    As an example, I regularly make a version without chicken when we are having a meat-free day, and it tastes just as delicious.

    Overhead labelled ingredient shot with all ingredients served in small bowls
    Have all of your ingredients ready to go for an easier cook.

    How To Make

    The best thing about this bean stew recipe is that it comes together in roughly 30 minutes, obviously, give or take 5 minutes on each side depending on how fast you gather and chop the ingredients.

    It also comes together in one big pot, and any meal that uses fewer dishes always gets an extra tick in my books.

    TIP: to add some extra flavor to the meal, why not try deglazing the pan with some white wine after the garlic has cooked?

    Use a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven that is large enough to contain all of the ingredients.

    A large heavy based pan with some chopped onions, celery and poblano pepper
    Heat the oil and sauté the veggies.
    Tomato paste being added to sauteed vegetables
    Add the tomato paste and chipotle.

    Essentially, you are going to add all of the ingredients and simmer until heated through, add the chicken and cook until cooked through, remove the chicken breasts and shred, add them back in, season, and serve.

    Stock, beans, diced tomato and chicken added to a large soup pot
    Add the stock, tomatoes, beans and herbs, and spices.
    A pot of bean stew being stirred with a wooden spoon
    Shred the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot.

    It really is very simple.

    Storing and Freezing Tips

    Leftover butter bean stew can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored correctly.

    This stew also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping.

    If stored correctly it should last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Allow the stew to cool completely to room temperature before storing it in the fridge or the freezer.

    TIP: make a double batch and keep some in the freezer for a busy day.

    Allow the frozen bean stew to thaw completely before gently reheating it on the stovetop or microwave to your desired temperature.

    A large white bowl containing a tomato based stew

    Serving Suggestions

    I love to serve my chicken and bean stew with some fresh crusty bread, a simple side salad, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

    It would also go well with:

    • some steamed brown or white rice;
    • Lemon and Garlic Air Fryer Broccoli;
    • Honey, Lemon, and Sea Salt Air Fryer Asparagus;
    • or for something a bit more substantial serve a large spoonful of the stew on top of some Easy Smashed Potatoes With Garlic Butter and Rosemary.

    TIP: if you want to take this meal to the next-level presentation-wise, why not hollow out a cob loaf and use it as a bread bowl for serving your spicy chicken stew? You could do mini rolls for serving kids.

    Stew being served into white bowls from a large pot

    Need More Comfort Food Recipes Like This

    Easy comfort food recipes like this one are perfect to have on hand for a busy weeknight.

    Why not try one of these family favorite recipes next:

    • One Pot Indian Pumpkin Curry With Chickpeas
    • One Pot Vegetable Chili Baked Hasselback Potatoes
    • Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Vegetables
    • One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese from XOXO Bella

    I hope you love this hearty, nutritious, and delicious chicken and butter bean stew recipe as much as my family does.

    Please leave a star rating on the recipe card or comment underneath the recipe card and let me know how you went with the recipe.

    A thick bowl of bean stew being served with a silver spoon from a large white bowl
    Thick and hearty comfort food.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can this be made ahead of time?

    Yes. Once made, this spicy chicken and bean stew should be allowed to cool completely to room temperature before being stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Are butter beans the same as cannellini beans?

    No, they are different beans. However, they can be used interchangeably in this recipe depending on what bean you have on hand.

    What should be served with butter bean stew?

    This pairs perfectly with fresh crunchy bread, and a simple side salad. Steamed rice and broccoli also pair well.

    Happy Eating.

    xx

    Recipe

    Spicy chicken and butter bean stew

    Chipotle Chicken and White Bean Stew

    A spicy twist on a traditional chicken and butter bean stew recipe takes this dish to the next level. Serve with some fresh crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Want it to be less spicy so you can serve the kids? Simply leave out the poblano pepper and you are good to go. Meal prep and freezer friendly for the perfect midweek meal.
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipes!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 6 serves
    Calories 138 kcal

    Clicking any equipment link above will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 yellow or white onion diced
    • 1 poblano seeded and diced
    • 2 celery stalks diced
    • ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
    • 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
    • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
    • 3 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 2 chipotles in adobo sauce diced
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 1 can stewed tomatoes
    • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
    • 2 cans cannellini beans rinsed and drained
    • 1 lb (about 500 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast
    • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
      1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Add the onions, poblanos, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes.
      1 yellow or white onion, 1 poblano, 2 celery stalks
    • Season with salt, pepper, fennel seeds, and Italian seasoning.
      ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
      3 garlic cloves
    • Add the tomato paste and chipotles in adobo sauce. Stir.
      1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 chipotles in adobo sauce
    • Pour in the chicken broth, both cans of tomatoes, and beans. Bring to a boil.
      3 cups chicken broth, 1 can stewed tomatoes, 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 2 cans cannellini beans
    • Add the chicken breasts, cover the pot and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken has cooked through.
      1 lb (about 500 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast
    • Remove the cooked chicken and shred.
    • Return the shredded chicken back to the stew.
    • Taste and season as needed with salt and black pepper.
    • Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, toasted crostini, and butter.
      Fresh parsley

    Notes

    Substitutions
    You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
    This soup is just as delicious without chicken.
    Using the poblano is optional. If you don’t like heat you can omit it.
    For more flavor, try deglazing the pan with ¼ cup of white wine after the garlic cooks.
    Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Chicken
    If you already have cooked chicken you will add it towards the end when you add the beans to the soup pot.
    Storing
    Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up tp 3 days.
    This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before storing in individual portion sizes in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 18gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 559mgPotassium: 444mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 215IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    « One Pot Indian Pumpkin Curry With Chickpeas
    Creamy Pesto Potato Salad »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen says

      January 25, 2023 at 2:44 am

      It was the perfect hearty stew for a cold winter night. Our family really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to having leftovers for lunch today.

      Reply
    2. Lisa says

      January 25, 2023 at 1:36 am

      The spice in this chicken stew was just right for me. But next time, I'll tone it down a little bit for my husband. So good!

      Reply
    3. Sherry says

      January 24, 2023 at 4:04 pm

      This is the perfect winter time stew recipe for those cold days when you want something warm and hardy in your belly. Thank you for a great recipe!!

      Reply
    4. Kris says

      January 24, 2023 at 12:27 pm

      The spices here were absolutely amazing and spot-on! The whole family really enjoyed the dish. We served it with fresh bread and it was perfect. 🙂

      Reply
    5. Shilpa says

      January 24, 2023 at 7:26 am

      This chicken stew was so delicious and easy to make. I love spicy food so this will be a regular in my kitchen.

      Reply
    4.88 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

    More about me →

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