Gather all your ingredients: chop the onion and garlic, rinse and drain the beans, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly as the first layer.
Scatter the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken, allowing their fragrant aroma to start filling the air.
Add the rinsed beans on top, followed by the cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, distributing evenly.
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, covering all the ingredients to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
Gently stir everything together using a spoon, making sure spices and tomato paste coat the ingredients well, then cover and set on low for 6 to 8 hours.
After 6 hours, check that the chicken is tender and easily shredded, and the broth has thickened slightly with the beans silky in texture.
Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and give the stew a fresh, tangy finish.
Taste the stew and adjust salt or seasonings if needed, then let it rest for a few minutes uncovered to settle the flavors.
Scoop the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot for a cozy, satisfying meal.