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    Home » Recipes » Dinners » Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe

    [published_or_updated] · by Angela Paris · 14 Comments[affiliate_disclosure]

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    Incredibly flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a 'set and forget' kind of recipe that makes entertaining a breeze! This chili recipe will feed a crowd, and then some!
    Total Time 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections

    This recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a version of our classic Sweet and Spicy Chili, which feeds a crowd and is great for game day. Tangy tomato, a hint of smokiness and spice, crisp corn kernels, and tender chicken make this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili an amazing recipe!

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili in a blue bowl with tortilla chips.
    Jump to:
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Equipment
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • Get a Month of Family Friendly Meal Ideas - FREE!
    • Ways to Use Leftover Chili
    • Short Cut Method
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • Storage
    • 📋 Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
    • 💬 Comments

    This recipe is perfect for when you want to make crockpot chili and don't have ground beef on hand.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is not only good for game day parties and other gatherings, but it's fantastic as part of your weekly meal plan.  You can use the leftovers to make other great dishes, like our Chili Stuffed Peppers, too.

    🧂 Ingredients

    • green pepper
    • sweet onion
    • jalapeno
    • chicken
    • BBQ sauce
    • tomato puree
    • crushed tomatoes
    • light red kidney beans
    • dark red kidney beans
    • corn kernels

    from the pantry: olive oil, granulated garlic, onion powder, chili powder, red pepper flake, ground cumin, salt, and pepper

    🔪Instructions

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil.  Add the onions, peppers, jalapeno pinch of red pepper flake and cook until tender.
    2. Add the tomato puree and crushed tomatoes to the slow cooker.
    3. Add the pepper mixture, beans, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
    4. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the slow cooker.
    5. Stir in the corn kernels.
    6. Set the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
    7. Remove the chicken and shred. Return to slow cooker.
    8. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
    9. Serve with sour cream, cheddar cheese, diced onion, jalapeno slices or other desired toppings.

    Pretty simple right?  And it's so good on a chilly day when you've got the game on and a house full of people!

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili in a blue bowl on top of a plate filled with tortilla chips and surrounded by topping suggestions - onions, cheese, sour cream.
    All the goodness of traditional chili made with chicken instead of beef.

    Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    • Crockpot or Slow Cooker
    • Cutting Board and Knife
    • Dry Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
    • Can Opener
    • Mixing Spoon

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products that will make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Beans Go in Slow Cooker Chicken Chili?

    Personally, I don't care for beans in my chili recipes, but Mr. Juggling Act loves them. Add light or dark red kidney beans, white or pinto beans to this slow cooker chicken chili. For a more Tex-Mex style chili, you can also use black beans.  If you choose not to use the beans, I would recommend adding a 29oz can of diced tomatoes to help keep the chili thick!

    How Can I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili with Ground Chicken or Turkey?

    Here's how to make slow cooker chicken chili with ground chicken:
    1. Season ground chicken or turkey with salt and pepper.
    2. Brown the meat in a skillet.
    3. Add to slow cooker and follow all the other instructions to complete.

    Close up image of Best Ever Slow Cooker Chicken Chili in a bowl, topped with sour cream, cheese, jalapeno, and onions.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    Serve your chili with a variety of toppings such as:

    • sour cream
    • cheddar cheese
    • jalapeño slices
    • avocado chunks
    • chips or tortilla strips
    • finely diced red onion
    • fresh cilantro or green onions

    You might also like to serve your chili with Mini Corn Muffins or Cheesy Cornbread. Here are a couple other ideas:

    • bacon cheddar scones
    • cheesy garlic herb bombs
    • bacon puff pastry twists

    📖 Variations

    Since I'm not a big fan of super spicy foods, this is a mild chili.  If you like it hot, you can add additional jalapeno or chili powder. I would recommend adding a little at a time because you can always add more, of course.

    You could also add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.

    Different types of beans can be used in this crockpot chicken chili recipe including white beans, navy beans, and cannellini beans if you prefer.

    You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast meat. This recipe is also a good way to use up leftover shredded chicken.

    For an ultra creamy chili, stir 8 ounces of cream cheese or 1 cup of heavy cream into the crock pot just before serving.

    Bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Chili topped with sour cream and cheese.
    This hearty chili is perfect with a dollop of sour cream on top!

    Get a Month of Family Friendly Meal Ideas - FREE!

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      To simplify your life, you can use my Menu Planner and Grocery List Printable Set to plan out your meals - it's a free download. (Be sure to check out my Busy Mom's Survival Guide for loads more tips and tricks!)

      Ways to Use Leftover Chili

      If you have leftovers, you can use the slow cooker chicken chili to make some pretty tasty recipes, like these:

      Close up of Chili Potato Skins .
      Close up of Corn Muffin Chili Cups.
      Chili Stuffed Peppers on a plate with a a fork.

      from left to right:

      • Chili Potato Skins - load up your potato skins with leftover chili and cheese and your other favorite toppings for a delicious dinner or game day snack.
      • Corn Muffin Chili Cups - bake up a batch of corn muffins and top them with a pile of chili.
      • Chili Stuffed Peppers - mix your leftover chicken chili with some rice, fill a bell pepper, and top it with cheese - so good!

      👉 Find tons more ideas on how to use leftover chili!

      Related: Chili Pot Pie is a great way to use leftover chili!

      Short Cut Method

      Want to make this for dinner tonight? Use shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. Combine all of the ingredients on the stove top in a heavy-bottom pan. Simmer over medium heat for 15-30 minutes.

      😋 Similar Recipes

      Next time, try one of these other great chili recipes:

      • Pumpkin Chicken Chili
      • Sweet and Spicy Chili Recipe
      • Leftover Turkey Chili
      • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Chili
      • Best Chili Side Dishes square collage image with text overlay.
      • Top down view of Leftover Turkey Chili in bowls with spoons.
      • Recipes Using Leftover Chili - what to do with leftover chili square collage image with text overlay.

      Storage

      Leftover chili should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

      Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Once the chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a freezer bag. Be sure to label. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

      Pin for Later

      📋 Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

      Not ready to make it yet? Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

      Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

      Incredibly flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a 'set and forget' kind of recipe that makes entertaining a breeze! This chili recipe will feed a crowd, and then some!
      Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
      5 from 1 vote
      Print Pin Rate
      Course: Main Course
      Keyword: slow cooker chicken chili, slow cooker chicken chili recipe
      Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
      Cook Time: 8 hours hours
      Total Time: 8 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
      Servings: 8 servings
      Calories: 157kcal
      Author: Ang Paris

      As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Ingredients

      • 2 tablespoons olive oil
      • 1 large green pepper, diced
      • 1 large sweet onion, diced
      • 1 large jalapeno, membrane and seeds removed and finly minced
      • 1 pinch red pepper flake
      • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
      • 1 29oz can tomato puree
      • 1 29 oz can crushed tomato
      • 1 15 oz can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
      • 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
      • 1 cup corn kernels
      • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
      • Salt and pepper, to taste
      • 1 tablespoon chili powder
      • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
      • 1 tablespoon onion powder
      • 1 tablespoon ground cumin for smokiness (optional)
      • 1 tablespoon honey (to offset the acidity of the tomatoes)
      Get Recipe Ingredients

      Instructions

      • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the prepared peppers, onions, and jalapeno. Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of red pepper flake.  Cook until tender and transfer to the slow cooker.
        2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large green pepper, diced, 1 large sweet onion, diced, 1 large jalapeno, membrane and seeds removed and finly minced, 1 pinch red pepper flake, Salt and pepper, to taste
      • Add the BBQ sauce, tomato puree, and crushed tomato.  Stir in the kidney beans and corn.
        2 tablespoons BBQ sauce, 1 29oz can tomato puree, 1 29 oz can crushed tomato, 1 15 oz can light red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 1 cup corn kernels
      • Season the mixture with chili powder, granulated garlic, and onion powder.  Add ground cumin if desired.
        1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin for smokiness (optional), 1 tablespoon honey (to offset the acidity of the tomatoes)
      • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add the chicken to the mixture.
        1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, Salt and pepper, to taste
      • Cover and cook 8 hours on low.
      • Just before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and break it apart with two forks.  Return to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
      • Taste for seasoning and adjust to your taste.
      • Serve with a variety of toppings and tortilla chips for dipping!

      Equipment

      • Crockpot or Slow Cooker
      • Cutting Board
      • Santoku Knife
      • Dry Measuring Cups
      • Measuring Spoons
      • Can Opener
      • Mixing Spoon

      Notes

      🍴 Serving Suggestions
      Serve your chili with a variety of toppings such as:
      • sour cream
      • cheddar cheese
      • jalapeño slices
      • avocado chunks
      • chips or tortilla strips
      • finely diced red onion
      You might also like to serve your chili with Mini Corn Muffins or Garlic Cheddar Cornbread.
      📖 Variations
      Since I'm not a big fan of super spicy foods, this is a mild chili.  If you like it hot, you can add additional jalapeno or chili powder.  I would recommend adding a little at a time because you can always add more, of course.
      💭 Frequently Asked Questions
      What Kind of Beans Go in Slow Cooker Chicken Chili?
      Personally, I don't care for beans in my chili recipes, but Mr. Juggling Act loves them. Add light or dark red kidney beans, white or pinto beans to this slow cooker chicken chili. For a more Tex-Mex style chili, you can also use black beans.  If you choose not to use the beans, I would recommend adding a 29oz can of diced tomatoes to help keep the chili thick!
      How Can I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili with Ground Chicken or Turkey?
      Here's how to make slow cooker chicken chili with ground chicken:
      1. Season ground chicken or turkey with salt and pepper.
      2. Brown the meat in a skillet.
      3. Add to slow cooker and follow all the other instructions to complete.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 442IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg
      Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
      Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!
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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Gina says

        February 04, 2019 at 4:35 pm

        Okay so I made this yesterday and everyone LOVED it. I didn't have any leftovers! I couldn't believe it. Thanks for an awesome recipe!!
        Gina

        Reply
        • Ang Paris says

          February 05, 2019 at 7:43 am

          I love to hear this Gina! Be sure to pin it for the next time you want to make it 🙂

          Reply
      2. Mandy says

        February 06, 2019 at 4:06 pm

        5 stars
        Oooh! Pinning this!!

        Reply
      3. Lisa Kerhin says

        March 06, 2019 at 11:10 am

        Love changing up chili with chicken! Delicious and hearty

        Reply
      4. Carlee says

        March 06, 2019 at 7:39 pm

        We are big chili fans, especially during football season. I can't wait to give this a go!

        Reply
      5. Ellen says

        March 06, 2019 at 9:25 pm

        It's cold right now in Florida, I wish I had a bowl for dinner tonight.

        Reply
      6. Karen says

        March 06, 2019 at 11:09 pm

        Chili is the best when it comes from a slow cooker, isn't it? This sounds amazing.

        Reply
        • Ang Paris says

          March 08, 2019 at 12:35 pm

          Chili is one of those meals that's just good stuff everyone likes!

          Reply
      7. Jolene says

        March 07, 2019 at 3:36 pm

        Chili sounds like the perfect meal for this never ending winter! And I love that it's done in the slow cooker, I don't use mine enough.

        Reply
        • Ang Paris says

          March 08, 2019 at 12:33 pm

          We probably use our slow cooker twice a week in the cooler months! It's just SO easy!

          Reply
      8. Erin says

        March 08, 2019 at 9:24 am

        The only time I've made chicken chili it was a white chili, I've not sued it in a tomato based chili before!

        Reply
        • Ang Paris says

          March 08, 2019 at 12:32 pm

          It's totally delicious, although I love white chicken chili too! 🙂

          Reply
      9. Valentina | The Baking Fairy says

        March 08, 2019 at 11:24 am

        What a clever idea to use chicken instead of beef!

        Reply
        • Ang Paris says

          March 08, 2019 at 12:31 pm

          It's supper tasty too!

          Reply
      5 from 1 vote

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      Welcome! I'm Ang'e - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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