Begin by preparing all your ingredients: dice the chicken into 1-inch chunks, chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes assembly smooth and quick.
If you have time, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step deepens the flavor and fills your kitchen with a warm aroma. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step and add raw ingredients directly to the slow cooker.
Add the chicken, chopped bell pepper, drained beans, tomato paste, cumin, and paprika into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly. This layering helps ensure each bite is flavorful.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours; the longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken becomes and the flavors meld into a rich, comforting stew.
Check the stew after about 6 hours. The chicken should be easily shreddable, and the beans will be soft. If needed, cook for another 1-2 hours until everything is tender and the aroma is inviting.
Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon and stir back into the stew. This enhances creaminess and body.
Turn off the slow cooker and let the stew rest uncovered for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to slightly thicken, making it perfect for serving.
Scoop the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the warm, tender chicken and flavorful beans in every comforting bite.
