Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy nights. Featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, vibrant bell peppers, beans, and a flavorful blend of spices, it offers an effortless and nutritious dinner option. Cooked low and slow to develop deep flavors, this chili is easily customizable and ideal for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  • 4 ounces smoky turkey bacon, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder (natural)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced avocado
  • Plant-based sour cream
  • Shredded plant-based cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Dice the turkey bacon into small pieces to distribute its smoky flavor evenly throughout the chili.
  2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add the drained black beans and kidney beans, followed by the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and turkey bacon. Layering ingredients helps blend the flavors as the chili cooks.
  3. Add the Spices and Sauces: Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and salt over the ingredients. Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural). Gently stir to combine all spices and flavor enhancers.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender enough to shred easily and the chili flavors to develop deeply.
  5. Finish and Thicken: After cooking, shred the chicken inside the pot using two forks. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir well. Let the chili sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for the brightest flavors.
  • Do not skip the apple cider vinegar; it brightens and balances the chili’s richness.
  • Layer spices and sauces during preparation for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Shred the chicken while warm to ensure it absorbs the chili juices well.
  • Adjust the chili thickness by slowly adding the natural gelling agent to your preferred consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken chili, healthy chili, turkey bacon chili, easy chicken chili, gluten free chili

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/slow-cooker-chicken-chili/