There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to bring comfort on a chilly day or to satisfy a craving for hearty, bold flavors. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s packed with wholesome ingredients, Crockpot Chicken Chili is a must-try. This dish combines tender chicken, savory spices, and a medley of vegetables into a one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping.
What makes this chili so special? It’s prepared in a slow cooker, which means you can set it, forget it, and come back to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of a meal that’s been simmering to perfection.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Chili
1. Effortless Preparation
With minimal chopping and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is as convenient as it gets.
2. Healthy and Wholesome
Loaded with protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed beans, and nutrient-dense veggies, it’s a well-balanced meal.
3. Bold and Flavorful
The combination of green salsa, diced tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices creates a chili that’s bursting with flavor.
4. Versatile
Serve it as a main course, top it with your favorite garnishes, or use leftovers in tacos or burritos.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Chili
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Green salsa (salsa verde) | 1 (16-ounce) jar |
| Diced tomatoes with green chiles | 1 (16-ounce) can |
| White beans, drained | 2 (15-ounce) cans |
| Chicken broth | 1 (14.5-ounce) can |
| Corn, drained | 1 (14-ounce) can |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Chicken breasts (skinless, boneless) | 3 |
These pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together to create a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Chicken Chili
1. Gather Your Ingredients
- Start by collecting all the ingredients you’ll need for the recipe.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture
- In the slow cooker, combine the green salsa, diced tomatoes with green chiles, white beans, chicken broth, corn, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the Chicken
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture. They’ll cook right in the chili, absorbing all the flavors.
4. Set the Slow Cooker
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with two forks.
5. Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board, shred them completely, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
6. Stir and Serve
- Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Slow Cooking Enhances Flavor
The low and slow cooking process allows the spices and ingredients to meld, creating a deep, rich flavor.
2. Tender Chicken
Cooking the chicken directly in the chili keeps it moist and makes shredding effortless.
3. Balanced Nutrition
This recipe is packed with lean protein, healthy carbs, and plenty of vitamins from the veggies.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Chili
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
Opt for a good brand of salsa verde and fresh chicken for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Skip the Seasoning
Taste the chili before serving and adjust the salt and spices as needed.
3. Customize the Heat
If you like a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
4. Avoid Overcooking
Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Once it shreds easily, it’s ready.
Variations and Add-Ins
1. Make It Creamy
- Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamier chili.
2. Add Veggies
- Throw in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients.
3. Use Rotisserie Chicken
- Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Add it during the last hour of cooking.
4. Make It Vegetarian
- Replace the chicken with more beans or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Chili
1. Classic Garnishes
- Top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro.
2. Serve with Cornbread
- Pair your chili with a warm slice of cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
3. Use as a Filling
- Spoon the chili into tacos, burritos, or over baked potatoes for a creative twist.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Cup) |
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
This chili is hearty and nutritious, making it a perfect option for a filling yet healthy meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the Stirring
While not essential, giving the chili an occasional stir ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
2. Overcooking the Chicken
If cooked too long, the chicken can dry out. Check it after 6 hours to see if it shreds easily.
3. Using Too Much Liquid
The ingredients release moisture as they cook, so don’t overdo it with the broth.
4. Not Shredding the Chicken
Shredding the chicken allows it to mix evenly with the other ingredients, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
FAQs About Crockpot Chicken Chili
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
4. Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken Chili?
Yes! Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. What’s the best way to reheat chili?
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
6. Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well in this recipe.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Crockpot Chicken Chili
Crockpot Chicken Chili is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. It’s a dish that works for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or cozy family dinners. With its bold spices, tender chicken, and hearty beans, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let the magic happen. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you for it!
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Crockpot Chicken Chili: A Comforting and Flavorful One-Pot Wonder
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, this Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, it’s easy to make and guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavor and velvety texture.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
- ½ cup butter
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs, well beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
- 1 pinch paprika (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and transfer it to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
- Stir the butter into the hot pasta until melted.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Add the Cheddar Cheese
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the pasta and stir to combine.
Step 4: Mix the Milk Mixtures
- In a bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and beaten eggs until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pasta.
- In another bowl, whisk the whole milk and condensed Cheddar cheese soup until smooth. Add this to the pasta as well.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Cook
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
- Garnish with a pinch of paprika for added flavor, if desired.
Step 6: Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low.
- Cook for 3 hours, checking the edges at around 2 ½ hours to ensure they don’t brown too much.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, give the mac and cheese a gentle stir.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy delight!
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Check the mac and cheese at 2 ½ hours to ensure it doesn’t dry out or overcook.
- Customize Flavors: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or dry mustard for an extra depth of flavor.
- Double the Recipe: If cooking for a crowd, make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle a doubled batch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
