Looking for a cozy and satisfying dinner that practically makes itself? This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a hearty bowl of comfort packed with tender chicken, beans, and the perfect blend of spices. It’s a family favorite that’s as easy as set-it-and-forget-it!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Flavorful: Packed with tender chicken, beans, and bold spices, every bite is bursting with comfort.
Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work for a stress-free, delicious dinner.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this chili is always a crowd-pleaser!

Be sure to check out more slow cooker recipes. We have a fantastic range from Slow Cooker Million Dollar Chicken Casserole to Slow Cooker Chicken Chili and Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Provide lean protein, forming the hearty base of this chili.
White Beans: Add heartiness and texture, making the chili filling and nutritious.
Chicken Broth: Offers a rich depth of flavor, binding all ingredients together with savory goodness.
Frozen Corn: Infuses subtle sweetness, balancing the flavors with a pop of color.
Poblano Peppers: Introduce mild heat and a unique flavor, enhancing the chili’s complexity.
Onion: Acts as an aromatic base, imparting a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Adds pungency and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Oregano: Contributes herbal notes, complementing the chili with its earthy aroma.
Cayenne Pepper: Brings a spicy kick, adding warmth and vibrancy to the chili.
Sour Cream: Provides creaminess, rounding out the flavors with a smooth texture.
Dry Cilantro: Offers a fresh finish, adding a hint of herbaceousness to the final dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Step One: Mash one can of beans in the slow cooker, then add the remaining cans left whole.

Corn, poblano, onion, garlic, oregano, and cayenne added to beans in slow cooker.

Step Two: Add corn, poblano, onion, garlic, oregano, and cayenne into the mashed beans and mix well.

Corn, poblano, onion, garlic, oregano, and cayenne, broth, and beans in slow cooker.

Step Three: Add broth to the mixture and stir until well combined.

Corn, poblano, onion, garlic, oregano, and cayenne, broth, beans, and chicken in slow cooker.

Step Four: Add chicken cubes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.

Cilantro and sour cream added to slow cooker while chicken chili being cooked.

Step Five: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in sour cream and cilantro.

Step Six: Serve and enjoy your delicious slow-cooker chicken chili!

Slow cooker chicken chili in a bowl ready to serve.

Expert Tips To Nail This Recipe

Sear the Chicken First: For extra flavor, quickly sear the chicken cubes before adding them to the slow cooker.
Add Lime Zest: A little lime zest at the end will give your chili a fresh, zesty kick!
Use Bone Broth: Swap regular broth for bone broth to add richness and depth of flavor.
Top with Cheese: Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before serving for a creamy finish!

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with extra white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Richer Flavor: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese or a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Herb Substitutions: Use fresh cilantro instead of dried or add parsley for a milder flavor.
Smoky Twist: Replace cayenne pepper with smoked paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Chili

Refrigerator: Cool the chili completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Transfer cooled chili to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Defrost overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish.

What To Serve With Chicken Chili?

Cornbread: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread are perfect for balancing the chili’s spices. Serve warm with a dollop of butter.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are excellent for scooping chili or adding as a topping for extra texture.
Steamed Rice: Serve chili over rice to create a hearty, filling meal with a neutral base.
Garlic Bread: A savory side for dipping into the chili and soaking up the flavorful broth.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots as a healthy and flavorful side option.

FAQ’S

What kind of beans work best in chicken chili?

White beans like cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans are commonly used, as they have a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, but frozen chicken may extend the cooking time slightly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

What toppings go well with slow cooker chicken chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, tortilla strips, or green onions for added flavor and texture.

Can I cook chicken chili on high instead of low in the slow cooker?

Yes, cooking on high will reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours, but low and slow yields a more developed flavor.

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

This slow cooker chicken chili is the perfect comfort food for busy days! Just toss everything in, let it cook, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal your whole family will love.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Serving Size Servings

Ingredients

2 Chicken Breasts Cut Into Cubes
3 Cans White Beans Drained
4 Cup Chicken Broth
2 Cups Frozen Corn
2 Fresh Poblano Peppers Chopped
1 Onion Chopped
4 tbsp. Garlic Minced
1 tsp. Oregano
¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper
8 oz. Sour Cream
2 tbsp. Dry Cilantro

Instructions

Mash one can of beans in the slow cooker, then add the remaining cans left whole.
Add corn, poblano, onion, garlic, oregano, and cayenne into the mashed beans and mix well.
Add broth to the mixture and stir until well combined.
Add chicken cubes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in sour cream and cilantro.
Serve and enjoy your delicious slow-cooker chicken chili!