Crockpot Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of flavorful spices, this dish simmers away in the slow cooker, letting all the ingredients meld together into a deliciously rich chili. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
What Is Crockpot Chicken Chili?
Crockpot Chicken Chili is a variation of traditional chili that replaces beef with chicken, creating a lighter, yet equally satisfying dish. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that combines chicken, beans, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of seasonings, all slow-cooked to perfection. The beauty of using a Crockpot is that you can toss all your ingredients in the pot, set it, and forget it, letting the slow simmering process enhance the flavors without constant attention.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Chili
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need to make this crockpot chicken chili:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs will give a slightly richer flavor and texture, but breasts are leaner and will shred easily once cooked.
- Canned beans: Use a variety of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, and white beans. Drain and rinse them before adding to the Crockpot to avoid extra sodium.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a rich, tangy base for the chili. You can use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
- Onions and garlic: Essential aromatics that will add depth and flavor to the dish.
- Chili powder and cumin: These two spices are the backbone of chili, giving it that characteristic warmth and depth.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth will provide a savory liquid base that helps everything meld together. You can also use water if you’re looking to cut down on sodium.
- Green chilies or jalapeños: For a touch of heat, opt for either mild green chilies or fresh jalapeños. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken Chili
Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: If you prefer a richer, more flavorful chili, use bone-in chicken thighs. Once cooked, the bones can be easily removed, and the chicken will have a more intense flavor.
Shred the chicken for a heartier texture: After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks to create a more robust, meaty texture that complements the beans and tomatoes.
Don’t skip the seasoning: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika are essential, but feel free to experiment with additional spices like oregano, garlic powder, or even a dash of cinnamon to make the chili uniquely yours.
Layer your ingredients properly: For the best results, start by placing the chicken at the bottom of the Crockpot, followed by the beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and then the spices. This layering helps the chicken stay tender and absorb all the flavors.
Let it cook low and slow: For the best results, cook your chili on low for 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
Add a touch of creaminess: If you prefer a creamy version of this chili, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will add richness and make the chili even more comforting.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Chili
While this basic recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- White Chicken Chili: Swap out the tomatoes for a can of green chilies and add some heavy cream for a creamy, white version of the chili.
- Spicy Chicken Chili: Add more heat by increasing the amount of fresh jalapeños or adding a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Chicken Chili with Corn: For a bit of sweetness and texture, toss in a cup of frozen or fresh corn kernels along with the beans and tomatoes.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use a variety of beans (black, kidney, pinto) and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a hearty vegetarian chili.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Chili
Crockpot Chicken Chili is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy it:
- Classic Bowl of Chili: Serve the chili as-is in a bowl, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for a deliciously comforting meal.
- With Cornbread: Pair your chili with a side of warm cornbread for a traditional southern comfort food experience.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve your chili over a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling, nutritious option.
- In a Tortilla: Spoon your chili into soft tortillas for a hearty wrap, or use tortilla chips to create a delicious chili nacho platter.
- With Avocado: Add a few slices of creamy avocado on top for a refreshing contrast to the chili’s rich flavors.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Chili
Crockpot Chicken Chili stores well and makes for an excellent meal prep option. Here’s how you can store it:
- Refrigeration: Once your chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Crockpot Chicken Chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) during cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly if using frozen chicken.
How can I make this chili spicier?
If you like more heat, increase the amount of jalapeños, chili powder, or add hot sauce to taste. You can also experiment with spicier varieties of green chilies or a bit of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this on the stove instead of in a Crockpot?
Yes, if you’re in a rush, you can make this chili on the stove. Simply cook the chicken in a large pot, shred it, and then add the remaining ingredients. Let everything simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix up the beans based on your preference. Pinto beans, black beans, or navy beans would all work great in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Crockpot Chicken Chili is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure the broth you use doesn’t contain gluten. Most store-bought broths are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label.
Crockpot Chicken Chili
Crockpot Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those busy days when you crave something hearty and satisfying. With tender chicken, creamy beans, and a blend of flavorful spices, this dish simmers away in the slow cooker, letting all the ingredients meld together into a deliciously rich chili. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes, drained (or 1 large can)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 large skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup chicken broth (reduced-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, rinsed and drained (or 1 package frozen corn)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp chili powder (1 tsp for less heat)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature (full-fat or light)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except cream cheese, to your slow cooker. Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Pair with cornbread or cornbread muffins for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 138Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 33mgSodium 585mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 11g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Chili is an easy, flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, creamy or classic, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit all tastes. Plus, it’s the perfect meal to make ahead, store, and enjoy throughout the week. With this recipe, you’ll have a hearty and healthy dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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