Dreamy Creamy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe

Whipping up a hearty slow cooker chicken chili brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

My grandmother’s secret ingredient always made this dish sing with unexpected zest.

Weeknight dinners demand something simple yet packed with robust flavors that everyone appreciates.

Rich and comforting, this slow cooker marvel combines tender chicken with bold spices that dance across your palate.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment, letting you relax while deliciousness simmers away.

Peppers, beans, and perfectly seasoned chicken create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this soul-satisfying chili that promises to become a household favorite.

Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Hearty protein source for a filling chili, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich liquid base and enhances overall chicken flavor, low-sodium recommended.

• White Beans, Corn: Adds texture and substance to the chili, use canned or fresh options.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish, fire-roasted variety adds depth.
• Onion, Jalapeño Pepper: Provides aromatic base and optional heat, fresh ingredients preferred.

• Ranch Seasoning, Taco Seasoning: Delivers complex flavor profile, store-bought or homemade mixes work well.
• Garlic Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices for balanced taste, adjust according to preference.
• Heavy Cream: Creates creamy texture and richness, can substitute with half-and-half or milk.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping for extra flavor and creaminess, sharp variety recommended.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnish and bright flavor accent, optional but recommended.

Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Place whole chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.

These will become the star of your chili adventure.

Step 2: Add Flavor Companions

• White beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chopped onion
• Diced jalapeño pepper (optional for heat lovers)

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Ranch seasoning mix
• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Liquid Magic

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Gently stir everything to ensure all ingredients get cozy and well-mixed.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

The goal is tender, fully cooked chicken that’s ready to be shredded.

Step 6: Shred and Mix

Remove chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them into delicious bite-sized pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the chili and stir thoroughly.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Enjoy your creamy, hearty chicken chili!

Slow Cooker Tips For Creamy Chicken Chili

• Adjust jalapeño pepper quantity based on your spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for more kick.
• Stir heavy cream in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Replace chicken breasts with ground chicken, turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken for varied protein choices and quick preparation.
• Prepare chili ingredients the night before, store in refrigerator, and transfer to slow cooker in morning for effortless meal planning.
• Store cooled chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a convenient and delicious meal is always ready when needed.

Warming Up Chicken Chili Again

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

Chicken Chili Add-On Snacks

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Pair this creamy chicken chili with bold, complementary accompaniments that enhance its rich profile.
• Craft Perfect Bread Companion: Serve warm, buttery cornbread or jalapeño cheddar biscuits to soak up the delicious chili broth and add textural contrast.
• Select Crisp Beverage Match: Pour a cold Mexican-style lager or a zesty margarita to cut through the chili's creaminess and refresh the palate with bright, citrusy notes.
• Elevate with Fresh Sides: Top the chili with cool, tangy sour cream, diced avocado, and extra cilantro to balance the dish's warmth and add layers of fresh flavor.

Chicken Chili in the Slow Cooker Made Different

• Spicy Kickback Chili: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free, zesty version with added tropical undertones. Increase jalapeño or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Protein Powerhouse: Swap white beans and corn with cauliflower florets and zucchini chunks. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for protein boost and creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add quinoa for protein enhancement.
• Gluten-Free Green Chili: Ensure ranch and taco seasonings are gluten-free certified. Use tamari instead of regular seasonings and add extra green chilies for robust flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeño pepper and green chilies. For a milder version, skip the jalapeño or use fewer green chilies. For more heat, add extra jalapeño or hot sauce.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese topping to keep it completely dairy-free.

• What if I don't have ranch seasoning?

Create a substitute by mixing dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Or use a packet of ranch seasoning mix from the store.

Reasons to Love This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Unlock Comfort and Convenience: This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

• Minimal Prep Magic: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making meal preparation incredibly simple and stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Set the slow cooker and enjoy 6-7 hours of hands-off cooking, perfect for working professionals or multitasking parents who want a delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with ranch and taco seasonings, white beans, corn, and creamy texture, this chili delivers robust flavors that satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its comforting and hearty profile.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by adjusting toppings and spice levels, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or casual weekend gatherings.

Creamy and Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken chili delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending tender chicken, bold spices, and rich beans into a soul-warming meal. Packed with protein and easy to prepare, this chili promises a delicious dinner that satisfies your craving for warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional for heat)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Arrange the chicken breasts as a foundational layer inside the slow cooker, ensuring they sit flat and evenly distributed.
2. Gently cascade white beans, golden corn kernels, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced onion, and optional jalapeño pepper over the chicken.
3. Generously sprinkle a harmonious blend of ranch seasoning, robust taco seasoning, aromatic garlic powder, earthy cumin, with a delicate touch of salt and pepper across the ingredients.
4. Stream chicken broth and luxurious heavy cream over the mixture, carefully stirring to create a uniform and well-integrated base.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the culinary magic to unfold, simmering on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken transforms into tender, succulent morsels.
6. Extract the fully cooked chicken and delicately deconstruct it using two forks, shredding into soft, manageable pieces.
7. Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the chili, gently folding to ensure even distribution of flavors.
8. Ladle the rich, creamy chili into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and optional fresh cilantro garnish.

Notes

• Adapt the heat level by adjusting jalapeño pepper quantity or removing seeds for milder flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternative.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and deeper flavor profile.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for convenient meal prep and future enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg