Fiesta Chowder

The ingredient list may be long, but the results are fast and delicious.

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 1  (1.4-ounce) package fajita seasoning, divided
• 4  skinned and boned chicken breast halves, cubed
• 3  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  teaspoon  minced garlic
• 1  (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
• 1  (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1  (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
• 1  (4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles
• 3  cups  water
• 1  cup  uncooked instant brown rice
• 1  (2 1/4-ounce) can sliced ripe olives (optional)
• 1  (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed nacho cheese soup
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh cilantro
• 1  tablespoon  lime juice
• Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro
• Breadsticks (optional)

Preparation

Combine flour and 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning in a heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; add chicken. Seal and shake to coat.

Cook chicken in hot oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat, stirring often, 4 minutes or until browned. Reduce heat to medium-high; add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in remaining fajita seasoning, corn, next 5 ingredients, and, if desired, olives. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 5 minutes. Remove lid, and stir in nacho cheese soup, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Garnish, if desired, and serve with breadsticks, if desired.