Chicken Crockpot Chili Recipe

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato puree (about 3 cups); 1 cup chicken broth or stock; 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed with a garlic press; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; Optional chili toppings:; Diced green onions; Shredded cheese; Diced avocado; Chopped cilantro; Sour cream

This slow cooker chicken chili recipe is for those days when you would really like to just throw a bunch of ingredients in a pot, wave a magic wand, and have dinner ready exactly on time. That would be nice, right?!

There's no magic wand (unfortunately), but thanks to the slow cooker, the rest of this recipe comes pretty darn close to granting that wish.

Easy Crockpot Chili Chicken in the slow cooker — Emma Christensen

Set It And Forget It Slow Cooker Recipe

The only prep work needed for this recipe is dicing the onion and the celery. Everything else is a matter of opening a few cans, measuring some spices, and stirring it all together.

I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. I've found they hold up better than chicken breasts over the long cooking, and shred easily into silky and tender strands by the time the chili is ready. It's fine to use chicken breasts if you're not a fan of chicken thighs, but the texture will be slightly chewier.

Crockpot Chili Chicken in a bowl for serving — Emma Christensen

A Recipe to Fit Your Schedule

The slow cooker time for this chili is really flexible, so you can adapt it to suit your schedule. The chicken just gets more tender the longer you let it cook. If you're running late, it's fine if the chili continues to cook on the "low" setting or "warm" setting for a little longer past the 8-hour mark. Try not to push it too much longer, though, or else the chicken starts to become mushy.

Suggestions and Substitutions

Don't love a tomato-y chili? Reduce the amount of tomatoes to one can and add extra broth to compensate.
Add a 4-ounce can of roasted green chilis at the beginning of cooking.
If you'd prefer a spicier chili, add 1 or 2 chopped jalapeños.
Swap the black beans for pinto beans.
Top your bowls with cilantro, green onions, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or extra cheese.

Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chili Chicken Chili in the crockpot — Emma Christensen

Storing and Freezing Chicken Chili

Leftover chicken chili will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze chicken chili in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, or warm frozen chili right in a covered saucepan over low heat.

More Favorite Chili Recipes!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Servings 6 to 8 servings

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or a mix of breasts and thighs, can be substituted for the chicken thighs, if you prefer.

As is, this makes a fairly mild chili. If you'd prefer a spicier chili, add 1 or 2 chopped jalapenos or a 4-ounce can of green chilis.

Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

2 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato puree (about 3 cups)
1 cup chicken broth or stock
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed with a garlic press
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Optional chili toppings:

Diced green onions
Shredded cheese
Diced avocado
Chopped cilantro
Sour cream

Combine the vegetables and chicken in the slow cooker:

If you're using chicken breasts, cut them into 2 or 3 large pieces.

Emma Christensen
Add the liquids and spices:

Add the tomato puree, broth, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir to mix and coat the chicken and vegetables. (Note: Wait to add the beans, corn, and vinegar until the end of cooking.)

Emma Christensen
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 4 hours, or low for 6 to 8 hours:

It's fine if the chili ends up cooking a little longer on the "low" or "warm," too.

Emma Christensen
Shred the chicken using two forks:

Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker; or if it feels easier, transfer the large pieces to a bowl, shred, and then return the chicken to the slow cooker. Taste the chili and add salt, pepper, or additional spices, if desired.

Emma Christensen
Stir in the beans, corn, and vinegar, then cover and continue cooking until warmed through:

This should take about 15 to 30 minutes. Watch for the chili to start bubbling again.

Emma Christensen
Serve with toppings:

Leftovers will keep refrigerated for up to a week or up to 3 months frozen.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
405	Calories
12g	Fat
35g	Carbs
44g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories	405
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12g	16%
Saturated Fat 4g	18%
Cholesterol 174mg	58%
Sodium 1133mg	49%
Total Carbohydrate 35g	13%
Dietary Fiber 11g	39%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 44g
Vitamin C 16mg	80%
Calcium 93mg	7%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 1291mg	27%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.