How to Prepare a Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Chicken chili is a classic dish that can be enjoyed during the cold winter months or as a hearty meal anytime of the year. This recipe not only provides a tasty dinner, but also serves as an excellent way to use leftover chicken and vegetables. It’s perfect for those who love comfort food but want something healthier than traditional chili recipes.

This slow cooker chicken chili is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort once you have everything ready. The cooking time typically takes about 5-6 hours on low heat, depending on your preference for how thick or runny the sauce should be at the end of cooking. You will get approximately 4-6 servings from this recipe, making it an ideal choice for family meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
• 1 onion, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Optional: 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
• Optional: 1 can of corn kernels (optional)

Preparation Steps

Begin by prepping your ingredients. Make sure to cut all vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.

1. Cook chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Let them cool before shredding them into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the same pan used for chicken, sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.
3. Transfer everything to your slow cooker and mix in all remaining ingredients except the optional black beans and corn. Stir well so that the chicken is evenly coated with spices and vegetables.

Cooking Process

The chicken chili will take around 5-6 hours on low heat, or 3-4 hours on high if you prefer a quicker cooking time. During this period, the flavors meld together creating a rich and flavorful dish. If your chili gets too thick for your liking while slow-cooking, feel free to add more broth little by little until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra kick of flavor, serve this chicken chili with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. A side salad or some crusty bread also pairs nicely with the hearty dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 400 per serving
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 26g

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use bone-in chicken if you want more flavor in your chili. The bones will give the broth extra depth.
• If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce or omit the chili powder.
• Add some extra cumin if you are looking for that authentic Mexican touch to your dish.

Chicken chili is not just about filling your belly; it’s about enjoying a simple yet delicious meal with friends and family. Try this recipe next time you want something comforting, satisfying, and nutritious all at once! Whether you're having leftovers or fresh ingredients, this slow cooker chicken chili will definitely become part of your regular menu.