Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of a slow-cooked, hearty chicken chili that practically makes itself! This isn't just another recipe - it's your ticket to the most effortless, mouth-watering meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, our Crock Pot Chicken Chili transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you crave comfort in a bowl.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cooked chicken if it isn't already shredded.
- In the bottom of your crock pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. This will allow them to infuse their flavors into the chili as it cooks.
- Add the shredded chicken to the crock pot, ensuring it is evenly distributed over the onions and garlic.
- Next, add the can of kidney beans. Make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and preservatives.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, as this will add moisture and flavor to the chili.
- Sprinkle the chili powder over the top of the ingredients. This will be the primary spice that gives the chili its signature flavor.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. This will create the base of your chili and help all the ingredients cook evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can always adjust the seasoning later, so start with a small amount.
- Stir all the ingredients together gently to combine, ensuring that the chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices are well mixed.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the chili to cook for approximately 8 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 8 hours, check the chili for flavor and consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth; if it needs more seasoning, adjust with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder.
- Once finished, serve the chili hot. It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. Enjoy your delicious crock pot chili with chicken!
Tips
- For extra depth of flavor, consider browning your onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.
- Use high-quality, pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chili powder.
- For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the kidney beans against the side of the pot during the last hour of cooking.
- This chili freezes beautifully - make a double batch and store portions for quick future meals.
- Let the chili rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully develop and settle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg