Chicken Chili Recipe: Slow Cooker Perfection
Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy chicken chili recipe? Look no further! This slow cooker recipe delivers tender chicken and a rich, satisfying chili that's perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe is the Best
This recipe isn't just easy; it's packed with flavor and incredibly versatile. Here's what makes it stand out:
- Tender Chicken: The slow cooker ensures incredibly tender and juicy chicken, perfectly melding with the chili's rich sauce.
- Flavorful Broth: We're not just using water; we're building a deeply flavorful base using chicken broth, adding layers of savory goodness.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to your liking. Add beans, corn, different vegetables – the possibilities are endless!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious chili all week long.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans (and black beans, if using), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder chili, omit it entirely.
- Bean Lovers: Add other types of beans, such as pinto beans or cannellini beans.
- Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make it a Stew: Add diced potatoes for a heartier chili-stew.
- Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken, but add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious chicken chili with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker chicken chili! Let us know in the comments how you customized your chili!
