Name: Devour 1 Amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Chili, Guilt-Free
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490121H16S
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel); 1 packet chili seasoning; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 4 cups chicken broth; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Jump to Recipe

Alright, gather ’round, chili lovers! There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty bowl of chili bubbling away in the slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food, right? And this slow cooker chicken chili? Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Chili’s been around forever, each culture putting its own spin on it. But sometimes, you just want something simple, flavorful, and totally fuss-free. That’s where this recipe shines. It’s perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Hey, I’m Oliver Hargrove! I’ve spent years experimenting in kitchens, from London restaurants to my own little pop-up dinners. I’m all about letting fresh ingredients and simple techniques do the talking. This slow cooker chicken chili recipe? It’s a culmination of all that – easy, delicious, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Simple and Flavorful

Seriously, who doesn’t love a recipe that practically cooks itself? This slow cooker chicken chili is packed with flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and those yummy diced green chilies. You dump everything in, and *bam*, hours later, you’ve got a delicious meal!

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Let’s be real, weeknights are hectic. This is your “set it and forget it” solution. Prep it in the morning, and come home to the amazing aroma of slow cooker chicken chili. Dinner? Solved!

Customizable to Your Taste

Spice it up or keep it mild – it’s all up to you! Add more green chilies if you’re feeling brave, or keep it mellow for the whole family. And those toppings? Endless possibilities! This slow cooker chicken chili is your canvas, so get creative!

Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This slow cooker chicken chili is all about simplicity, so you won’t find anything too fancy here. But trust me, each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect flavor.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Don’t worry about cutting them up just yet; we’ll shred them later!
1 large onion, chopped – Yellow or white, whatever you’ve got on hand works great.
2 cloves garlic, minced – I’m a garlic fiend, so sometimes I throw in an extra clove… or two.
1 (15-ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained – Cannellini beans are my fave, but Great Northern work too!
1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained – Adds a touch of sweetness and lovely texture.
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies – These give it a little kick!
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) – This is where things get interesting! Adds a bit of zing!
1 packet chili seasoning – Use your favorite! I usually grab the mild one for the family.
1 teaspoon cumin – Essential for that classic chili flavor!
1/2 teaspoon oregano – Don’t skip this! It adds a subtle, earthy note.
4 cups chicken broth – Low sodium is always a good idea!
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro – Go wild!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: Step-by-Step

Preparing the Ingredients

First things first, let’s get those veggies ready! Chop that onion – doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s all going in the slow cooker chicken chili anyway! Mince the garlic, too. I like to use a garlic press ’cause, well, I’m lazy. But if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and chop it by hand.

Cooking the Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Now for the easy part! Seriously, this is a “dump and go” dream. Grab your slow cooker (I use a 6-quart one, but anything similar will work). Toss in the chicken breasts, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Then, just dump in the white beans (rinsed!), corn (drained!), diced green chilies, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel!), chili seasoning, cumin, and oregano. Finally, pour in the chicken broth. Make sure everything’s mostly covered.

Pop the lid on, and here’s the big decision: low or high? For a set-it-and-forget-it kinda day, go with low for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry (or forgot to prep in the morning, oops!), high for 3-4 hours will do the trick. Just keep an eye on it – you don’t want the chicken to dry out. Trust me, that’s no fun.

Shredding and Serving Your Chili

Okay, the timer’s gone off, and your kitchen smells amazing! Time to shred that chicken. The easiest way? Grab two forks and pull it apart right in the slow cooker. It should be super tender and shred like a dream. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker chicken chili – this helps all those yummy flavors meld together.

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And that’s it! You’ve made slow cooker chicken chili! Serve it up hot with your favorite toppings. I’m a sucker for shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Avocado slices are also a winner. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Okay, nobody wants dry, stringy chicken! The key to preventing that in your slow cooker chicken chili is to keep an eye on it. If you’re cooking on high, check the chicken after 3 hours. It should be cooked through but still tender. If it starts to look dry, shred it and stir it back into the chili – that’ll help keep it moist!

Adjusting the Spice Level

Not a fan of too much heat? No problem! Start with a mild chili seasoning and maybe just a little bit of those diced green chilies. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out! If you *do* accidentally make it too spicy, a dollop of sour cream can help cool things down.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

Sometimes, slow cooker chili can end up a little watery. If that happens, don’t panic! Just remove the lid for the last hour of cooking. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, stir in a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Easy peasy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Variations

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Want to take your slow cooker chicken chili to the next level? Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Trust me, it adds a richness that’s totally addictive! Just make sure the cream cheese is softened a bit so it melts in smoothly.

Green Chile Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Okay, spice lovers, this one’s for you! If you want a serious kick, add an extra can (or two!) of diced green chilies. You could even throw in a chopped jalapeño for good measure. Just be warned – this version is not for the faint of heart!

Rotisserie Chicken Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Short on time? No problem! Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it up. Skip the raw chicken breasts and just toss the shredded rotisserie chicken into the slow cooker with everything else. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high – just enough to heat everything through.

Serving Suggestions for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Classic Toppings

Okay, let’s load up this slow cooker chicken chili! You gotta have the classics: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt!), and some chopped red onion. My favorite part is a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra zing!

Side Dishes

Want to make it a full meal? Cornbread is a MUST with chili, in my book. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette also works great to balance out the richness. Or, if you’re feeling extra, try some cheesy garlic bread for dipping!

Storing and Reheating Your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your slow cooker chicken chili cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, if you want to save it for longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it out in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is a breeze! You can microwave it (stirring occasionally), or heat it up on the stovetop over medium heat. If it’s a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. And there you have it – chili all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Can I use frozen chicken in this slow cooker chicken chili recipe?

Okay, so here’s the deal with frozen chicken. While you *can* technically use it, I really don’t recommend it. It tends to release a lot of water as it cooks, which can make your chili watery. Plus, it might not cook evenly. If you absolutely *have* to use frozen, make sure the chicken breasts aren’t stuck together in a big clump and add an extra hour or two to the cooking time, just to be safe.

How long does slow cooker chicken chili last in the fridge?

Good question! If stored properly in an airtight container, your leftover slow cooker chicken chili will happily hang out in the fridge for 3-4 days. After that, it’s best to toss it (or freeze it!). Always give it a sniff and a good look before reheating, just to be sure it’s still good to go.

Can I make this slow cooker chicken chili in an Instant Pot?

You betcha! If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is your best friend. Just toss everything in like you would for the slow cooker, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken, stir, and you’re good to go! It’s a super speedy way to get that delicious chili flavor.

What are the best toppings for slow cooker chicken chili?

Ooh, toppings are my *favorite* part! Okay, so you gotta have shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great). Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice tang. Chopped red onion or green onions give it a little bite. And don’t forget the fresh cilantro! If you’re feeling fancy, avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, or even some crumbled tortilla chips are amazing too. Go wild!

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Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Alright, chili fans, a quick note about the nutrition stuff! Keep in mind that the nutritional information is just an estimate. It can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili!

And that’s it! I really hope you enjoy this slow cooker chicken chili as much as my family does. Seriously, it’s a winner every time. If you give it a try, please leave a comment and rating below – I’d love to hear what you think! And hey, don’t be shy – share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!