Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac Recipe

Warm up with this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac packed with tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and rich spices for cozy comfort. This hearty dish blends the best of chili and classic macaroni, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you crave a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s effortlessly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Set it and forget it with your slow cooker doing all the work while flavors deepen beautifully.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Combines creamy macaroni and hearty chicken chili for a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Smoky Flavor Boost: Smoked turkey bacon adds that irresistible smoky touch without overpowering the dish.
• Nutritious and Flavorful: Packed with protein, fiber, and spices to keep your taste buds and body happy.
• Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes well, ensuring you have a quick meal ready anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver rich taste and satisfying texture. Each item plays its part, from the tender chicken to the creamy plant-based cheese, making your dish a standout.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Adds juicy, tender protein with excellent flavor retention while slow cooking.
• Smoked turkey bacon: Brings smokiness and a delightful meaty note that elevates the chili base.
• Small elbow macaroni: Perfect pasta size to absorb sauce and provide great bite without getting mushy.
• Diced tomatoes (natural): Adds acidity and sweetness to balance the dish’s warmth.
• Apple cider vinegar (natural): Adds brightness and depth, enhancing all the spices beautifully.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and complexity without overpowering the flavors.
• Chili powder: Delivers that classic chili warmth and mild heat throughout.
• Smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness and adds vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide rich savory undertones for a flavor-packed profile.
• Plant-based cheese: Melts smoothly for creamy, comforting texture and cheesy richness.
• Natural gelling agent: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without heaviness.
• Black beans: Boost fiber and protein, plus add heartiness and varied texture.
• Chopped bell peppers: Add sweetness and a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac

Feel free to customize your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac by swapping out ingredients or boosting it with your favorite extras. It’s easy to adapt for any taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit more heat.
• Veggie Boost: Swap black beans for kidney beans or add corn and zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
• Plant-Based Version: Use plant-based chicken alternatives and skip the smoked turkey bacon while keeping all the rich spices.
• Cheese Variations: Try different plant-based cheeses like cheddar-style or mozzarella-style to change up the flavor.
• Grain Swap: Substitute macaroni for a gluten-free pasta or even cooked quinoa for a textured twist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon

Start by chopping the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and lightly crisp it in a skillet for enhanced flavor. Meanwhile, season the chicken thighs with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes (natural), chopped bell peppers, black beans, and the partially cooked smoked turkey bacon on top. Pour in apple cider vinegar (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to build a flavorful base.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Thicken

Add the dry macaroni right into the slow cooker and sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly to ensure the sauce thickens nicely as it cooks. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients, but avoid stirring too much to maintain layering.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker on low for about 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld together into a rich, comforting chili mac.

Step 5: Add Plant-Based Cheese and Finish

Once cooking is complete, shred or cut the chicken into pieces directly in the slow cooker. Stir in shredded plant-based cheese and allow it to melt evenly, creating a creamy texture throughout your Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac

• Use fresh spices: Freshly measuring spices adds maximum flavor impact to the dish.
• Layer thoughtfully: Proper layering keeps the pasta from getting mushy and the chicken juicy.
• Adjust liquids: If you prefer thicker chili mac, reduce liquids slightly or add a bit more natural gelling agent.
• Check pasta doneness: Depending on your slow cooker, adjust cooking time slightly to get perfect pasta texture.
• Let it rest: Allow your dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to thicken and develop flavors further.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac

Garnishes

Top your bowl with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of plant-based sour cream for brightness and added creaminess that complements the chili flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

A simple crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make great side dishes that lighten the meal, while warm crusty bread is perfect to scoop up every last bite of your chili mac.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun presentation or layer it in a casserole dish and bake briefly with extra plant-based cheese for a bubbly topping finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Flavors often deepen after a day, making for even tastier meals.

Freezing

This chili mac freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered pan on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or plant-based milk if it seems too thick to restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the smoked turkey bacon?

Pre-cooking the smoked turkey bacon enhances its texture and flavor, but you can add it directly to the slow cooker if pressed for time.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap out chicken and smoked turkey bacon for plant-based substitutes and increase beans for protein, keeping the same spices and technique.

What type of pasta works best?

Small shapes like elbow macaroni work best because they cook evenly and blend well with the chili texture.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe offers mild to moderate heat, which you can easily adjust by adding or reducing chili powder or including spicy peppers.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac is such a cozy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy days or anytime you need comforting, wholesome food. The blend of smoky turkey bacon, tender chicken, and creamy plant-based cheese will keep you coming back for more. Try it out and enjoy this flavorful bowl of joy that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!

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