Forget the fuss and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this deliciously easy chicken chili recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand, making it a great recipe for cleaning out the pantry.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans and corn. This prep work ensures everything is ready to go into the slow cooker without any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes on top. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth over everything to help distribute the spices.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork when done.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado. Enjoy the fruits of your (minimal) labor!
Tips and Tricks
For an even deeper flavor, consider browning the chicken and onions before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step adds a rich, caramelized flavor that can’t be beaten. If you’re short on time, frozen diced onions and pre-minced garlic can be great time-savers. For those who like a bit of heat, adding a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper can kick the spice level up a notch.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for extra beans and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Spicy Version: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a cup of cream cheese or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or two to ensure they cook through completely.
How can I thicken the chili? If your chili is too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the chili. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Absolutely! Follow the same steps but cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
Summary
This slow cooker chicken chili is the perfect blend of ease and flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any day of the week. With minimal prep and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
