Sassy Tortilla Stew

There are variations to this recipe, but this was passed along from Louann. Allison has a recipe that includes a few more spices and it's delish! Feel free to switch up ingredients. If you prefer a particular type of bean or corn - replace what's listed below with your favorite. Any way you make it, you'll love it - guaranteed!

Ingredients
2 - 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (salt & pepper, cumin or Mexican seasoning)
1 can black beans
1 can white chipotle corn (or Mexicorn is a good choice too)
2 regular size cans of diced tomatoes
1 can Original Rotel
1 package taco seasoning

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, diced avacado, & tortilla chips make great "dippers"

Directions
To cook the chicken, you can either pan fry it on medium to medium high heat in a little olive oil & seasoning for about 5-6 minutes per side. Cook 'til golden brown on either side. Cut into it and if they're close to being done, put them on a plate to cool and tent with aluminum foil. This extends the cooking time a little by allowing it to cook in it's own steam. It finishes off the chicken without drying it out.

Or...you can boil your chicken breasts with a liberal amount of salt. This takes about 10 minutes, depending on the size. You may have to cut into it to make sure it's done. Let cool and shred with your fingers or a fork.

Now for the easy part....

Drain beans and corn into the sink with a colander and rinse both with water. Dump the beans, corn, tomatoes and taco seasoning into a crock pot or large pot on the stove. Stir in shredded chicken and cook slow and low in the crockpot for up to 6 hours. Taste it for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper as desired. You can also cook on the stove top at medium low for a few hours. It doesn't take too long to heat through, but the longer you wait to serve it, the better the flavors will be.

*Notes*
If you want a heartier stew, serve over white or brown rice. Would also be great served as a salad - over a bed of lettuce with a spicy ranch. Or, make your own chicken wrap and fill a tortilla shell with chicken stew and rice.

xoxo,

Alison J.