Can I swap the lite beer?

Absolutely—you can use more chicken stock instead. Beer just adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs get incredibly tender and add a richer taste.

Does this recipe freeze well?

It freezes beautifully. Freeze before adding cream cheese, then mix it in fresh when reheating for best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It thickens overnight and becomes even more delicious.

3 Irresistible Slow Cooker Creamy Southwest Chicken Wins

Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Southwest Chicken is a hearty, comforting, flavor-packed dish made with tender shredded chicken, beans, peppers, warm spices, and a creamy broth. It’s an easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe that delivers bold Southwest flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

14 oz canned small white beans, drained & rinsed
14 oz canned black beans, drained & rinsed
14 oz canned diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup lite beer (or more chicken stock)
1 large onion, chopped
2 sweet bell peppers, chopped
3 jalapeños, seeded & diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
2 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp coriander
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 oz cream cheese, softened & cubed
Toppings: cilantro, green onions, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream

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Instructions

Add onions, garlic, cilantro, bell peppers, jalapeños, white beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, beer, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and all spices to the slow cooker. Stir well.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
Cook on LOW for 6½ hours or HIGH for 3½ hours.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Add cream cheese to the slow cooker and whisk until creamy.
Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Replace beer with extra chicken stock if preferred.
Adjust heat level by adding or removing jalapeño seeds.
Soup thickens as it cools and is even better the next day.

Freezes well—add cream cheese after reheating for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (LOW)
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
Calories: Approx. 360 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg