Prep: 35 min. Cook: 3 hours Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 medium onion, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (15 ounces each) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided

3 cups chicken broth, divided

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Sour cream and minced fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken, onion, jalapeno, oregano and cumin in oil for 3-4 minutes or until chicken is browned and vegetables are crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, mash 1 cup of beans; add 1/2 cup broth and stir until blended. Add to the slow cooker with the remaining beans and broth. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until heated through.

Stir before serving. Sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutritional Facts

1 cup equals 334 calories, 15 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 64 mg cholesterol, 1,063 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 24 g protein.