Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe for Simple and Flavorful Meals

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of a hearty meal waiting for you that's the charm of this slow cooker chicken chili! It's incredibly simple to prepare, with just a few minutes of effort before letting your slow cooker do the work. This recipe offers a balance of flavors that's both comforting and nutritious, making it perfect for busy families or anyone wanting an easy dinner. You'll find yourself making it again and again because it's that satisfying.

Health benefits are a big plus; it's packed with lean chicken, beans, and vegetables for high protein, fiber, and essential vitamins that support your energy levels. The set-it-and-forget-it method fits right into hectic schedules, ideal for busy parents or working professionals. Whether you're a student juggling classes or a senior looking for simple meals, this dish adapts to various tastes and needs while delivering a delightful mix of spices.

This chili stands out for its versatility, allowing easy tweaks for different diets like gluten-free or low-calorie options. For instance, you can swap ingredients to suit vegan preferences, making it a go-to for diverse groups. It's not just food; it's a way to bring people together around the table, sharing stories over a warm bowl.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious slow cooker chicken chili. This section lists everything you need, based on a reliable recipe that ensures great results every time. Focusing on fresh, simple components makes the process straightforward and fun for home cooks of all levels.

Main Ingredients List

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 large 28-ounce can)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup chicken broth, preferably reduced-sodium
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped (other colors like red, yellow, or orange can be used)
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, rinsed and drained or one package frozen corn
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (kidney or pinto beans can be substituted)
• 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds and ribs removed for milder chili)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (reduce to 1 teaspoon for milder chili)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ounces full-fat or light brick-style cream cheese, at room temperature

These ingredients provide a solid foundation for a flavorful meal. Each one plays a key role in building the chili's taste and texture, from the protein-packed chicken to the spices that add warmth.

Special Dietary Options

For those with specific needs, consider these adaptations to make the recipe your own. You can substitute chicken with plant-based protein like textured vegetable protein or jackfruit for a vegan version. To keep it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, which is simple and helps everyone enjoy the dish.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with this slow cooker chicken chili is a breeze, and I'll walk you through it step by step! First, gather and prepare all your ingredients by dicing onions, mincing garlic, rinsing beans, and measuring spices to make cooking smoother. This prep only takes about 10 minutes, which is perfect for busy days when you want minimal fuss.

Next, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking, as this helps them absorb flavors fully. Then, add the black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and chicken broth over the chicken to build layers of taste. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and other spices evenly over the mixture, and stir gently without moving the chicken around too much.

1. Combine all ingredients except cream cheese in the slow cooker and stir until mixed. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3 hours.
2. Remove chicken breasts, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to the slow cooker. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and blended.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or chili powder if desired.
4. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream. Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips.

For dietary adaptations, you can easily substitute proteins or use alternative broths as needed. This method ensures your chili turns out tender and full of flavor every time, making it a hit for family meals.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Making this slow cooker chicken chili your own is easy with a few swaps, and it's all about having fun in the kitchen! For protein alternatives, replace chicken with turkey breast for a leaner twist, or use jackfruit for a plant-based option that keeps things hearty. You can also swap black beans with kidney or pinto beans to change up the texture and taste without losing the essence of the dish.

When it comes to vegetables and seasonings, try substituting onions with shallots for a milder flavor that might appeal to picky eaters. Experiment with different chili powders or add chipotle for a smoky kick that elevates the meal. Incorporating seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers not only adds nutrition and color but also makes the chili feel fresh each time you make it.

For lower sodium versions, opt for no-salt-added tomatoes and broth to keep things light. These changes let you tailor the fresh slow cooker chicken chili recipe to fit your preferences, whether you're cooking for diet-conscious friends or just mixing it up for variety.

Mastering Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you've nailed the basics, let's dive into some pro tips to take your slow cooker chicken chili to the next level! One great technique is to sear the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker, which deepens the flavors and improves the texture for a more restaurant-like result. This step isn't necessary, but it's a simple way to enhance your meal if you have a few extra minutes.

For flavor variations, try incorporating cocoa powder or cinnamon to add unique southwestern notes that surprise your taste buds. Adding fresh lime juice right before serving brings a bright pop that balances the richness, turning a simple dish into something special. To make it visually appealing, serve in colorful bowls topped with avocado slices or shredded cheese for a feast for the eyes and stomach.

Make-ahead options are a game-changer for busy lifestyles; prepare the chili base in advance and refrigerate it overnight, then add the chicken and cook fresh the next day. For more ideas on easy chicken dishes, check out our chicken taco casserolerecipe, which pairs well with this chili for meal planning. These suggestions keep your slow cooker chicken chili exciting and adaptable for any occasion.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: Best Practices

Storing your slow cooker chicken chili properly helps keep it tasty for leftovers, and it's simpler than you might think! Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its fresh flavors and textures. This makes it ideal for meal prep, so you can enjoy a quick lunch or precooked dinner during the week.

If you want to save it longer, transfer the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep everything blended. Portioning it into individual servings after cooking is a smart move for grab-and-go meals, especially for students or working professionals on the run.

Remember, reheating thoroughly ensures safety and taste, so aim for an internal temperature of at least 165°F. For more on flavorful slow cooker chicken chili meals, you can read about the benefits of slow cooking to understand why this method works so well.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 10 people
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

🍲 This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe is perfect for busy days, providing a simple way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
🌶️ The creamy texture combined with the mild heat makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and nutritious.

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Ingredients

– 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) petite diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 large 28-ounce can)

– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)

– 1 cup chicken broth, preferably reduced-sodium

– 1 cup diced yellow onion

– 1 large green bell pepper, chopped (other colors like red, yellow, or orange can be used)

– 1 can (15 ounces) corn, rinsed and drained or one package frozen corn

– 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (kidney or pinto beans can be substituted)

– 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds and ribs removed for milder chili)

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 2 teaspoons dried oregano or Italian seasoning blend

– 2 teaspoons chili powder (reduce to 1 teaspoon for milder chili)

– 1 tablespoon ground cumin

– 3 garlic cloves, minced

– 4 ounces full-fat or light brick-style cream cheese, at room temperature

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Instructions

1-Combine all ingredients except cream cheese in the slow cooker and stir until mixed. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3 hours.

2-Remove chicken breasts, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces, and return to the slow cooker. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and blended.

3-Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or chili powder if desired.

4-Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

5-Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream. Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Notes

🍴 No pre-cooking needed; all ingredients go into the slow cooker at once.
🧀 Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and slightly balances the heat.
🌶️ Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of jalapeño and type of chili powder.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Additional cooking time after shredding chicken and adding cream cheese: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Approximately 184 calories per serving
• Sugar: Approximately 6 grams per serving
• Sodium: Varies by ingredients, approx. 500 mg per serving
• Fat: Approximately 7 grams per serving
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 3 grams per serving
• Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 3.5 grams per serving
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15 grams per serving
• Fiber: Approximately 5 grams per serving
• Protein: Approximately 14.6 grams per serving
• Cholesterol: Approximately 40 mg per serving

Keywords: chicken chili, slow cooker chili, creamy chicken chili, easy chili recipe