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Santa Fe Stew: Hearty Southwestern Comfort in a Bowl

Updated: Jun 4

This isn't your average stew - it's a Southwestern flavor explosion that feeds a crowd and warms you from the inside out. With tender chicken, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat, this Santa Fe stew brings all the comfort of the Southwest to your dinner table.


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Ingredients

First Step:

  • ~9 cups cooked chicken

  • 3 tablespoons good cooking oil

  • 3 red onions, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic

  • 1 tablespoon parsley

  • 3 packages taco seasoning

  • 9 cans undrained tomatoes (spicy preferred) or 1 #10 can

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 3 cans pinto beans


Second Step:

  • 3 cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

  • 21 oz. corn

  • 21 oz. diced green chilies or jalapeños

  • 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder


Instructions

  1. Build the base: Heat 3 tablespoons cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped red onions until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

  2. Add aromatics: Add granulated garlic, parsley, and taco seasoning packages. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. Add liquids and protein: Add undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, cooked chicken, and the first batch of pinto beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

  4. Second stage: Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, corn, diced green chilies, chicken bouillon powder, and chipotle powder.

  5. Simmer to perfection: Let everything simmer together for 30+ minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well combined and stew has thickened slightly.


Chef's Tips

  • Cooked chicken shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or cook chicken breasts in the slow cooker

  • Heat control: Start with less chipotle powder and green chilies - you can always add more heat

  • Consistency matters: If too thick, add more chicken broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered longer

  • Make ahead friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop

  • Serving suggestions: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips



Ben's Gadgets: Essential Stew-Making Tools

Knife Magnetic Strip

Keep your knife safely stored and easily accessible during all that chopping. With multiple onions and prep work, you'll appreciate having your knife right at hand.


Misen 8-inch Knife

Perfect for chopping those red onions cleanly and efficiently. A sharp knife makes quick work of the prep and ensures even pieces that cook uniformly.


Automatic Can Opener

With 9+ cans to open (tomatoes, beans, corn, chilies), this automatic opener is a game-changer. It handles the repetitive work while you focus on the cooking.



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