This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty and satisfying meal. Packed with chicken, beans and vibrant peppers, this dish is both flavorful and healthy. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy option for busy weekdays.
The majority of the ingredients in this recipe can be found in a standard kitchen. However, you may need to pick up a few items such as a jalapeno pepper and Rotel tomatoes. Jalapeno peppers are small, green peppers that pack a spicy punch. Rotel tomatoes are canned tomatoes that come mixed with green chillies for added flavor. You can find both of these in the produce and canned goods sections of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Chicken breasts: These will be slow-cooked until tender and then shredded. They provide a lean source of protein.
Bell peppers: These add a sweet and tangy flavor.
Jalapeno pepper: This provides heat.
Corn: This adds a sweet and crunchy texture.
Black beans: These beans are hearty and rich in fiber.
Kidney beans: Another fibrous addition that adds texture.
Onion: This will add a depth of flavor.
Rotel tomatoes: These canned tomatoes add a spicy tang.
Salsa: This adds a Mexican flair.
Limes: Their juice will add zest.
Chicken broth: This will keep everything moist.
Garlic cloves: These will infuse the chili with a warm, nutty flavor.
Cumin: This spice will add a smoky note.
Chili powder: This brings heat and smokiness.
Refried beans: These will thicken the chili and make it creamy.
One reader, Ber Chaney says:
This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the chicken is so tender. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. I love how versatile it is - I can customize it with my favorite toppings. It's a definite winner in my book!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
How to prepare the chicken: The chicken breasts should be trimmed of any excess fat and then cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.
How to chop the bell peppers: Cut the bell peppers into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the chili.
How to handle the jalapeno pepper: When handling the jalapeno pepper, it's important to wear gloves to protect your skin from the spicy oils. After cutting, remove the seeds and membranes to control the heat level.
How to dice the onion: Start by cutting off the ends of the onion, then peel off the skin. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom, then lay each half flat and make horizontal and vertical cuts to create a fine dice.
How to shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into smaller pieces for the chili.
How to incorporate the refried beans: Gently fold the refried beans into the chili to ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking up the other ingredients.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Let your slow cooker do the work of cooking up this hearty chicken chili for dinner! It’s also loaded with tasteful seasonings and beans for a filling meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3chicken breasts,large, boneless, skinless
- 1cupbell peppers,diced, red or orange
- 1green bell pepper,diced
- 1jalapeno pepper,seeded, minced
- 15ozcorn,drained, rinsed
- 14ozblack beans,drained, rinsed
- 14ozkidney beans,drained, rinsed
- 1large onion,diced
- rotel tomatoes,1 can
- ¾cupsalsa
- 2limes,juiced
- 3cupschicken broth,low sodium
- 3garlic cloves
- 1½tspcumin
- 1tbspchili powder
- refried beans,1 can
Instructions
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Place the chicken, bell peppers, jalapeno pepper, corn, beans, onion and tomatoes into the slow cooker.
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In a large bowl, combine the salsa, lime juice, chicken broth, garlic, cumin and chili powder.
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Pour the salsa mix over the chicken mixture.
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Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, then shred them.
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Return the chicken to slow cooker, then stir in the refried beans.
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Cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.
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Serve with desired toppings, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 745.98kcal
- Fat: 12.49g
- Saturated Fat: 3.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.23g
- Carbohydrates: 109.25g
- Fiber: 31.24g
- Sugar: 13.66g
- Protein: 55.10g
- Cholesterol: 59.28mg
- Sodium: 527.80mg
- Calcium: 229.37mg
- Potassium: 2705.21mg
- Iron: 11.11mg
- Vitamin A: 100.55µg
- Vitamin C: 67.58mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing the Flavor of Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
When shredding the chicken, use two forks to pull the meat apart. This will give you perfectly shredded chicken that's ideal for your chili. Also, to infuse more flavor into your chili, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This will release their aromatic flavors and make your chili even more delicious.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and cooking time.
Slow cooker magic: Let the slow cooker do the work for you while you attend to other tasks.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
Invest in a food processor: A food processor can help with chopping and blending, saving time on prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender when slow-cooked, and they won't dry out as easily as chicken breasts.
Bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, adding a unique twist to the chili.
Green bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor compared to green bell peppers, adding a different dimension to the dish.
Jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level to jalapenos but offer a brighter, crisper flavor.
Corn - Substitute with hominy: Hominy adds a unique texture and flavor to the chili, and it's commonly used in traditional Mexican dishes.
Black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a creamier texture and a slightly nutty flavor, which can complement the other ingredients in the chili.
Kidney beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans have a mild, nutty flavor and a creamy texture, adding a different dimension to the chili.
Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, and they add a subtle depth to the dish.
Rotel tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: This substitution provides a similar flavor profile and adds a bit of heat and tanginess to the chili.
Salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with jalapenos and onions: This substitution provides a similar base flavor with the added freshness of diced tomatoes and the kick of jalapenos and onions.
Limes - Substitute with lemons: Lemons provide a similar level of acidity and brightness to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor and richness to the chili, and it complements the other ingredients well.
Garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing fresh garlic.
Cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the complexity of the chili.
Chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder has a slightly smoky, fruity flavor with a mild heat, adding a unique depth to the chili.
Refried beans - Substitute with mashed black beans: Mashed black beans can provide a similar creamy texture and thickness to the chili while adding a rich, earthy flavor.
Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker chicken chili, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use white plates to make the vibrant colors of the chili pop and arrange the ingredients in an artful and deliberate manner.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and a slice of lime. The bright green of the cilantro and the vibrant citrus of the lime will add a burst of color and flavor to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a small handful of tortilla strips or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. This will provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and creamy beans.
Focus on balance: Pay attention to the balance of colors and shapes on the plate. Aim for a harmonious blend of the various components, ensuring that no single element overpowers the others.
Highlight the aroma: As you present the dish, allow the aromatic steam to waft towards the judges, tantalizing their senses and building anticipation for the flavorful experience to come.
Emphasize the slow cooking process: Share the story of the slow cooker chicken chili, emphasizing the care and attention that went into each ingredient and the long, slow cooking process that resulted in a rich and complex flavor profile.
Create a visual focal point: Consider placing a small dollop of sour cream in the center of the dish and swirling it into an elegant design. This will draw the eye and add a touch of luxury to the presentation.
Use high-quality serving utensils: Opt for sleek and polished serving spoons and tongs to handle and present the dish, adding a touch of refinement to the overall experience.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for the easy preparation of slow-cooked meals.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Large bowl: A container for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Can opener: A device used to open cans.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups and stews.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Citrus juicer: A device used for extracting juice from citrus fruits.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
- Can opener: A device used to open cans.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations for draining liquids from food.
- Wooden spoon: A utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Plates and bowls: Used for serving and enjoying the finished dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Chicken Chili
Allow the chicken chili to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and maintain the quality of the chili.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making the chili even more delicious.
If you have leftovers that you won't consume within 4 days, freezing is an excellent option:
- Divide the cooled chili into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
- Frozen chicken chili can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
To reheat the chili, follow these steps:
- If frozen, thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the thawed or refrigerated chili to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat the chili over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, microwave the chili in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- If the chili appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
When reheating, ensure that the chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Enjoy your reheated slow cooker chicken chili with fresh toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapenos for an extra burst of flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Chili
To reheat leftover slow cooker chicken chili, start by transferring the desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the chili from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili is heated through and steaming.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the chili from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the chili seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. Heat the chili until it reaches your desired temperature, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
If you have a bit more time and want to enhance the flavors of your leftover chili, consider reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chili to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is heated through and bubbling around the edges. This method allows the flavors to meld together and can result in an even tastier dish than the original.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat your leftover chili in a slow cooker. Simply transfer the chili to the slow cooker, cover it, and set the temperature to low. Allow the chili to warm up for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This method is perfect for those who want to come home to a warm, comforting meal without any additional effort.
Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Slow cooker chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It's a great option for meal prepping as it can be easily stored and reheated. Additionally, the combination of spices, vegetables, and protein in this dish makes it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
Is Making Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker Economical?
The slow cooker chicken chili recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, bell peppers, corn, and beans, this dish offers great value. The use of economical staples like onion, garlic, and cumin enhances flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its affordability, making it a practical and delicious choice for families looking to save on their grocery bills.
Is This Chili Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It contains a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. The use of lean chicken breast as the primary protein source is a healthy choice, as it is low in fat and high in protein. Additionally, the inclusion of black beans and kidney beans adds fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates to the dish.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and rinsing the canned beans before adding them to the slow cooker
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to boost the nutrient content
- Opt for a low-fat or non-fat refried bean option to decrease the overall fat content of the dish
- Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as skinless chicken tenders, to further reduce the fat content
To make this recipe even more nutritious, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to incorporate more leafy greens
- Serve the chili over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for an extra boost of fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Top the chili with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-rich, lower-fat alternative
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to add a burst of flavor and a dose of vitamin C
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Chili Recipe
This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and vibrant peppers creates a satisfying and wholesome dish. The addition of salsa, lime juice, and spices infuses the chili with a zesty and aromatic profile. The use of a slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a rich and comforting meal. The incorporation of refried beans adds a creamy element, elevating the overall dish. This recipe is a perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness, making it a great choice for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Chili
Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement This Recipe
Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe:
This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of chicken, bell peppers, jalapeno pepper, and corn creates a flavorful and hearty dish. The addition of black beans and kidney beans provides a good source of protein and fiber. The use of salsa and rotel tomatoes adds a zesty kick, while the cumin and chili powder bring depth and warmth to the dish. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Trust this recipe to deliver a satisfying and comforting meal.
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