Easy Mexican Chicken Stew

Overhead shot of a bowl of easy Mexican chicken dish with avocado chunks, tomatoes, cilantro, and chicken.

This Easy Mexican Chicken Stew is one of the easiest, most delicious cool-weather stews. It comes effortlessly together in less than an hour, but tastes like you worked on it!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Mexican food is all about big, bold flavors, and this Easy Mexican Chicken Stew is no exception. Here’s why we love it:

Super Easy: This one is a delicious throw-it-together meal, like these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.
Bold Flavors: This stew offers big, bold, delicious flavors in no time.
Nutritious: This hearty and warming stew is built with real, wholesome goodness using simple ingredients, just like our Healthy Chicken Chili.
Uses Rotisserie Chicken: This stew is a fabulous way to use all the deliciousness of leftover rotisserie chicken. We also love using it in our Nacho Chicken Soup.
Great Leftovers: Leftovers reheat beautifully.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Rotisserie Chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this stew. You can also boil chicken in salty water and shred it.
Chicken Stock – Good quality chicken stock forms the flavorful base of our stew.
Spices – Dried oregano and cumin add a warm, earthy flavor to the stew.
Worcestershire Sauce – A couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce enhance the savory flavors of the stew.
Lime and Avocado – These fresh ingredients add a zesty, creamy finish to the stew.
Fresh Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby flavor to the finished stew.

Substitutions And Variations

Here are some of our favorite variations and substitutions:

Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this stew. Bell peppers, corn, or leafy greens would all be great additions.
Spices: If you like your stew on the spicy side, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.
Meat: You can replace the chicken with turkey. Or, try our Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef for a beef alternative.
Beans: We also love adding some corn or black beans to the stew to make it even heartier.
Garnishes: The garnishes are what make this stew truly special. Try adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or chopped cilantro on top.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

In a large, heavy pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add oregano and cumin, then cook for a minute.
Add tomatoes, Worcestershire, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add lime juice and shredded, cooked chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and more lime juice to your liking.
Just before serving, add cubbed avocado and garnish with cilantro leaves. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Chicken Stew!

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

Here are our favorite prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:

Aromatics: The onion and garlic can be chopped ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Shred the Chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can shred it in advance. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Make It Entirely Ahead: This stew actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to make it entirely in advance and let the flavors meld overnight. Add the avocado and cilantro right before serving.

Closeup shot of an Easy Mexican Chicken Stew garnished with cubed avocado and chopped cilantro. — The mix of herbs, tomatoes, and chicken creates a deeply satisfying, savory and easy Mexican Chicken Stew

What To Serve With Easy Mexican Chicken Stew

Rice or Grains

We love serving this stew with a side of Mexican Quinoa. It’s packed with protein and has a delicious, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the stew.
This Mexican Rice also goes beautifully with the stew. It’s fluffy, flavorful, and can be ready in just 30 minutes.
For a simple, classic option, we recommend making a batch of fluffy white rice. It’s the perfect base for soaking up all the delicious flavors of the stew.
We also love serving this Cilantro Lime Rice with the stew. The bright, fresh flavors of the rice complement the hearty stew perfectly.

Other Mexican Dishes

One of the best ways to enjoy Mexican food is by serving it with other tasty Tex-Mex dishes. Salsa Verde Chicken is another family favorite!
We also love serving Mexican Chicken and Quinoa Stew alongside our Mexican Chicken Stew when friends and family come over.

Vegetables

A side of Fresh Corn Avocado Salad is a great way to add some freshness to your meal. The crunchy corn and creamy avocado are the perfect contrast to the hearty stew.
We also recommend trying this Southwestern Chopped Salad. It’s packed with fresh veggies, beans, and a zesty dressing that pairs beautifully with the stew.

Commonly Asked Questions

What type of chicken should I use for this stew?

We recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It’s convenient and adds a delicious flavor to the stew. If you prefer, you can also boil chicken in salted water and shred it.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot. Make sure to include any juices that are released while chopping.

How do I make this stew spicier?

If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper to the pot. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.

How long does easy Mexican chicken stew keep?

This stew can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Can you freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Add fresh avocado when ready to serve.