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Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili is a hearty, easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, beans, and a blend of warm spices slow-cooked to perfection. This comforting chili delivers rich smoky flavor with customizable heat, perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or serving a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Canned Goods

  • 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)

Spices

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and bell peppers finely, mince the garlic, and rinse and drain the canned beans to reduce excess sodium and prevent the chili from being too watery.
  2. Layer Flavors in the Slow Cooker: Add the chicken, diced onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, and spices into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth to ensure the ingredients meld during cooking.
  3. Slow Cook Gently: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the chipotle flavor to infuse the chili fully.
  4. Shred Chicken and Stir: Remove the chicken breasts or thighs, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine evenly.
  5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and add salt, pepper, or extra chipotle peppers to adjust heat as desired. Serve hot with optional garnishes such as fresh cilantro, avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and bell peppers for superior flavor.
  • Drain canned beans thoroughly to avoid watery chili.
  • Start with one chipotle pepper and add more to adjust heat level.
  • Slow cook on low for best tenderness and flavor blending.
  • If chili is too thin, stir in 1 tablespoon cornmeal or masa harina to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle chicken chili, slow cooker chili, smoky chili, easy chili recipe, hearty dinner, gluten free chili, spicy chicken chili