Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Slow cooker chicken chili packed with bold spices, tender chicken, and hearty flavor. An easy, cozy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (green works too)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) beans (such as black, pinto, or kidney), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
- 2–2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional but great)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Juice of 1/2 lime (to brighten at the end)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
- Toppings: shredded cheddar or pepper jack, avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, green onions, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Optional sauté for extra flavor: In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Layer the base: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, green chiles, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the mixture, making sure they’re mostly submerged.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred and finish: Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning with more salt or chili powder if needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of extra lime if you like. Add chips for crunch.
