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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili. Packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant spices, it's an easy weeknight dinner that will warm your soul. Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, make it tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 28 ounces red kidney beans drained and rinsed, 1 large can
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned
  • 1.5 cups salsa I used mild
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce no salt added
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Tex Mex seasoning
  • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless, or chicken thighs
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Method
 

  1. Start by combining the red kidney beans, chopped onion, corn, salsa, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, and Tex Mex seasoning in your slow cooker. Make sure the ingredients are mixed well to ensure that each bite is bursting with flavor.
  2. Next, take your chicken breasts and place them on top of the mixed ingredients. Gently stir them in without completely mixing them with the beans and sauce. The chicken will soak up all the delicious flavors while cooking.
  3. Cover your slow cooker with a lid. Set it to cook either on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
  4. When the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board using tongs. Let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks. Shredding allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the chili.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. This step ensures that every ingredient is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce.
  6. If you like, garnish your chili with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve hot, and don't forget to top it with cheddar cheese or any of your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

  • Double the recipe: This recipe makes 8 servings. If you are cooking for a crowd or want to make enough for a few more meals, you’ll need to double or triple the recipe and use a large crockpot.
  • Make it spicy: Most chicken chili recipes just like this one are only mildly spicy. If you like really spicy chili, just add some diced jalapeño peppers or green chiles to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
  • Keep the chicken warm: Some slow cookers have timers which are really helpful. But for food safety, make sure your chili doesn’t cook and then cool off in the crockpot. Food should only stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
  • Leftover chicken chili: Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.