Tantalize your taste buds with our Slow Cooker Chicken Chili, featuring tender chicken, robust tomatoes, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all simmered to perfection in your crockpot. A delicious, cheesy Tex-Mex delight perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Growing up in a bustling household where both my parents worked long hours, the slow cooker was our family's culinary savior. My mom, always keen on feeding us warm, nutritious dinners even on her busiest days, experimented one chilly evening with some chicken, beans, and spices she had on hand. The result was this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili, which became an instant family favorite. It reminded her of the Tex-Mex flavors she loved from her childhood in Texas, and it became a comforting staple at our dinner table. Now, whenever I smell this chili bubbling away, I'm transported back to those lively family dinners where, despite the rush, warmth and love were always served up in heaping spoonfuls.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Introducing the epitome of comfort food: Slow Cooker Chicken Chili! This recipe is not just about saving time; it's a hearty, nutritious meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor for convenience.
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein-rich chicken and fiber-loaded beans and corn, this chili is both filling and nutritious.
- Flavorful: Each spoonful hits your taste buds with the bold flavors of Tex-Mex seasoning, enhanced by a medley of tomatoes and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper.
- Versatile: Perfect for any day of the week, suitable for game days, family dinners, or as a cozy meal on a rainy day.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various toppings and sides to please any palate or dietary preference.
Ingredients Notes
This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is more than just a random assembly of ingredients; each component is chosen to maximize flavor and ensure a satisfying meal.
- Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-rich and cut into bite-sized pieces to absorb every bit of the flavorful sauce.
- Tomatoes and Green Chiles: Adds a robust flavor and slight heat, which forms the base of the chili’s liquid content.
- Black Beans and Corn: Not only do they add texture and heartiness, but they also complement the chicken with their earthy flavors.
- Spices: A blend of garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper perfectly balances heat and depth, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
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How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Starting with the slow cooker at your ready, begin by placing the cubed chicken at the bottom, ensuring it forms a single, even layer. This allows each piece to be thoroughly infused with the flavors added later. Next, layer in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and chicken broth to create a rich, flavorful base. Add the diced onion, black beans, and corn for texture and extra flavor dimensions. Season with kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper, distributing them evenly to ensure every bite is as tasty as the last.
Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the spices and liquids meld together while still keeping the chicken nestled at the bottom to soak up all the juices. Cover the pot, set your slow cooker to low, and let the magic happen over the next 4 to 6 hours. If you're short on time, the high heat setting for 2 to 4 hours works just as well. Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be tender and flavors well melded. Serve hot, garnished with cheddar cheese or any topping you love!
Storage Options
This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is as friendly in your fridge as it is in your belly! Store leftovers in an airtight container, and they will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the chili in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the chili has thickened too much upon reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili lies in its versatility. Here are some creative twists and substitutions to keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it:
- Protein Variations: Swap chicken for turkey or even lean ground beef for a different taste profile.
- Bean Switches: Try using different types of beans such as pinto beans or kidney beans for a change in texture and flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper, or add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, quinoa, or tofu to cater to vegetarian preferences without losing the heartiness of the dish.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is classic, sprinkling some Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a delightful twist.
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 28 ounces of diced tomatoes with green chiles drained
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces of stewed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces of chicken broth
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 15 ounces of black beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces of yellow corn kernels drained
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by meticulously placing the cubed chicken at the base of a slow cooker, ensuring an even layer. This foundational layer allows for optimal absorption of the flavors introduced subsequently.
- Layering of Components: Sequentially add the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and stewed tomatoes. Follow this by pouring in the chicken broth. Scatter the finely diced onion, drained black beans, and corn kernels over the top, distributing them uniformly.
- Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper over the layered ingredients. The precise measurement of spices ensures a balanced distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
- Combining Ingredients: Gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to amalgamate the seasonings with the tomatoes, chicken, and broth. This step is crucial for ensuring that the flavors meld harmoniously while maintaining the structural integrity of the chicken pieces.
- Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for a duration of 4 to 6 hours, or alternatively, on high heat for 2 to 4 hours. The choice of cooking time depends on the availability and desired texture of the chicken.
- Serving: Upon completion of the cooking process, ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. Ladle the chili into bowls, and if desired, garnish with toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream to enhance the dish’s richness and flavor profile.
