The Coziest Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe for Heartwarming Meals

Crafting the perfect slow cooker chicken chili becomes a delightful culinary adventure that brings comfort to your kitchen.

Aromas of simmering spices and tender meat will soon fill your home with warmth.

Cold evenings call for something hearty and satisfying that doesn’t require constant attention.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a go-to for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

Layers of flavor develop slowly, melding together into a rich, robust experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant seasonings and succulent chicken create a meal that promises to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

• Chicken: A lean and tender meat that forms the hearty foundation of this comforting chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Stewed Tomatoes: These tomato varieties provide a rich, tangy base that adds depth and moisture to the chili.

• Black Beans, Corn Kernels, Onion: These ingredients contribute texture, sweetness, and additional nutritional value to the dish.

• Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder, Black Pepper: A carefully balanced mix of spices that creates a warm, complex flavor profile and enhances the overall taste of the chili.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory chicken flavor throughout the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream: These garnishes provide extra creaminess and a cool contrast to the warm chili.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Place cubed chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly to create a perfect foundation for the chili. This initial layer will soak up all the delicious flavors as the dish cooks.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Layers

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Stewed tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Diced onions
• Black beans
• Corn kernels

Sprinkle these ingredients across the chicken to ensure an even distribution of goodness.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Ground black pepper

Dust these spices over the top, making sure they’re spread out to create a flavor explosion in every bite.

Step 4: Mix and Mingle

Gently stir all the ingredients together, ensuring the spices coat every morsel of chicken and vegetable. This step helps blend the flavors and creates a harmonious mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Dive into this hearty, flavor-packed chicken chili that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

• Shred chicken easily by using two forks to pull apart the meat after cooking, creating a more tender and integrated texture.
• Swap ingredients to accommodate dietary needs: use plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian version or turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of lime juice or chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to brighten the overall taste profile.
• Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes, maintaining the recipe's robust flavor while being heart-healthy.
• Freeze excess chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead meal option for busy weeknights.

Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Chili: Replace black beans with pinto beans and add diced green chiles for extra heat. Incorporate chopped jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce to elevate the spice level.
• Lean Protein Chicken Chili: Substitute chicken breast with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a protein-rich topping.
• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Remove chicken and replace with extra firm tofu or additional beans like kidney and cannellini. Add bell peppers and mushrooms for texture and depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Low-Carb Version: Eliminate corn kernels and use cauliflower rice as a base. Select gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

• Choose a hoppy IPA with citrus notes to complement the chili's spicy and robust flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Prepare a buttery, slightly sweet cornbread that balances the chili's heat and provides a perfect textural contrast with its soft, crumbly consistency.
• Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese and a dollop of tangy sour cream to add creamy richness and temperature variation, mellowing the chili's spiciness while creating depth.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods and maintain freshness.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving slight vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level. If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a diced jalapeño. For less spice, reduce the chili powder quantity.

• Can I make this recipe in a different type of pot?

Absolutely! You can prepare this chili in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop. Cook on low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili to Warm You Up

• Savor Simplicity: Perfect for Busy Cooks: This chicken chili recipe offers an incredibly straightforward approach that saves precious kitchen time. Home cooks can toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the appliance do all the hard work without constant monitoring.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible Flavor Adventure: The recipe welcomes creative modifications, allowing individuals to adjust spices, swap beans, or experiment with different protein options. Personalization means every batch can match individual taste preferences while maintaining the core delicious essence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Family and Gathering Favorite: This hearty chili serves multiple people effortlessly, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture guarantee smiles around the table, appealing to both adults and children with its comforting warmth.

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken chili delivers comfort with minimal effort. Mexican-inspired flavors combine tender chicken, robust beans, and zesty spices for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 28 oz (794 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz (425 g) yellow corn kernels (drained)
• 14.5 oz (411 g) stewed tomatoes
• 14.5 oz (411 g) chicken broth
• 8 oz (227 g) tomato sauce
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Assemble chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a uniform base layer that will absorb the incoming flavors.
2. Systematically layer diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and chicken broth over the chicken. Distribute onions, black beans, and corn evenly across the surface.
3. Generously season the mixture with salt, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
4. Gently mix all ingredients, allowing seasonings to integrate seamlessly while preserving chicken integrity.
5. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and flavors meld completely.
6. Verify chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature and texture. Transfer chili to serving bowls, optionally topping with shredded cheese or sour cream for additional richness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Cook chicken on low heat for maximum tenderness, allowing proteins to break down slowly and absorb rich spices without becoming dry or stringy.
• Adjust chili powder and black pepper quantities to create mild, medium, or spicy versions that suit individual taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or additional beans to create a protein-packed vegetarian alternative without compromising flavor complexity.
• This chili freezes exceptionally well in airtight containers for up to three months, making it perfect for batch cooking and convenient future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 191 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 541 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg