This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili recipe comes together in just a few minutes and creates a hearty and healthy dinner that the entire family will love!
A Chicken Chili That’s Both Delicious and Nutritious
There are few things better than coming home from a busy day to find an amazing dinner, hot and ready, waiting for you! This slow cooker chicken chili is a family favorite at my house because it is not only hearty, but it is leaner than most recipes that call for beef. I also love this recipe because you can load it up with any veggies you have on hand!
Add the Variety You Love
This recipe is extremely versatile. I have used chicken breast in this recipe but you can also substitute ground chicken or turkey (you will need to pre-cook it) and reduce the broth to 2 cups. Red or white kidney beans are both great in this recipe. I love to use all colors of bell peppers but you can use whatever color you have on hand!
We like to top our slow cooker chicken chili with a variety of toppings! From sliced green onions to tortilla strips, cheese, and sour cream! Setting up a chili bar is a fun way to try different flavors and to mix favorites and make a bowl of chili that is uniquely perfect for your palate!
Items You’ll Need For This Recipe
Mild Salsa * Ground Cumin * Slow Cooker
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced bell peppers red or orange
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 (15 ounce each) can corn kernels drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce each) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5 ounce each) can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 (10 ounce each) can diced tomatoes with chilies such as Rotel
- ¾ cup salsa
- 2 limes juiced
- 3 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 (16 ounce each) can refried beans
Instructions
- Place chicken, bell peppers, jalapeno pepper, corn, beans, onion and tomatoes into the slow cooker.
- In a large bowl combine salsa, lime juice, chicken broth, garlic, cumin and chili powder. Pour over chicken mixture.
- Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours. Remove and shred chicken. Return chicken to slow cooker, stir in refried beans and cook an additional 15-20 minutes or until hot.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner
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This was yummy! I served it with shredded cheese, tortilla chips and sour cream. You could spice it up or down depending on how much jalapeño you use. You could also buy the mild version of Rotel tomatoes. I like things a little spicy so I thought the recipe was fine just as it was written.
Have made it before and loved it…if i add white rice at shredding stage i am assuming uncooked rice, correct, or does it matter
I have this receipet in the crockpot right now, so excited! has anyone calculated any nutritional data on it . . . calories? carbs? anything like that?
How much is a serving? 1 cup? 2 cups?
One serving is approximately 2 cups Amy.
Absolutely delicious! And so simple to make!!
One of the few online recipies I have made that looks exactly like you have pictured!!
A keeper for my family for surer!! :)
I only used 2 cups of chicken broth,I hope it will turn out okay. Thank you for sharing this recipe ,it’s in the crock pot now ☺
I have your chicken chili in the crock pot right now and it smells wonderful!! Can’t wait! Thank you for a great recipe to use up the extra chicken I had.
You’re welcome! Enjoy Lee!
I’m not a big fan of refried beans. Can I leave it out or substitute it with something else?
You can certainly leave them out. The chili might not be quite as thick but it will be delicious!
Hi, this looks really good & it’s on my menu to make for next week! I just wanted to ask if the jalapeno pepper makes it really spicy? And if it’s spicy, how spicy? I’m also making it for our 3 kids and don’t want to burn their mouths. Thanks! :)
Although I didn’t find it overly spicy, Jalapenos can sometimes vary in heat. I would suggest removing all of the seeds and inner membranes (you can then taste the flesh and see if you find it spicy). If you’re concerned, by all means you can leave it out and just sprinkle a little bit on top of your serving. :) Enjoy!
Ate this tonight! It was delish–added a little more chili powder and cumin. I also added a dash of cayenne pepper!
So glad you enjoyed it Katey! A dash of cayenne would be great in this recipe!
Hello, looks great! Can you recommend what size slow cooker is needed. Thanks
I use a 6QT slow cooker for this recipe.
My husband and I loved it ! I switched out the canned tomatoes for fresh tomatoes ;) We threw on some cilantro , avocado & chips .. delish!! I just love your recipes and look forward to cooking some more with you ! Thank you !
Thank you Elisabeth! I love your toppings (especially the cilantro and avocado)!
I made this last night! It was delicious and looked as beautiful as the pics. I will definitely make again!
So glad you loved it Kim!
As a millennial living in NYC I have to say it is difficult to come by delicious recipes that are easy to make and affordable.
This chicken chili is delicious! It’s easy to make and lasts several meals. I will be combing through your other recipes, thank you for this wonderful dish!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Brianna! :)
I ate the can of refried beans I had before I remembered they were for this recipe so I added a cup of white rice at the shredding mark to absorb some excess liquid and it turned out nicely!
Great addition! Thank you for sharing!
Do you put the chicken in frozen or thaw?
I usually put it in thawed but I have used frozen chicken too. It works just as well.
Hi,
Could the chicken be cubed beforehand instead of shredded after it’s cooked?
Thanks!
I haven’t tried it that way but I think it would work just fine. Your chili might have a slightly runnier texture as the shredded chicken does soak up some of the liquid.
Hi!
I accidentally didn’t read through the whole recipe before I started throwing stuff in the crock pot and I put the refried beans in along with the other beans at first!
I now see it says to add the refried beans in 15-20 minutes before serving..
Is what I did going to mess up the outcome of the meal at all?
Thank you!
Ashley
I’m sure it will still be just fine. :)
Okay I’m sure it will be too, smells wonderful! Thanks for your input! :)
You’re welcome!
Could you freeze this before hand? Thaw for a few hours and then cook in crock pot, just wondering if you’ve tried!
I haven’t tried freezing this although I do think it would work fine. If you do try, I would love if you could let us know how it worked out for you!
This looks so delicious friend. Chicken chili is one of our family favorites. Pinned & yummed.
Thank you Sandra! :)