Description

Craving a hearty, mildly spiced chili that’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd? What if you could toss ingredients into a slow cooker and have a creamy, protein-packed meal ready in 8 hours with no pre-cooking? My Favorite Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is your answer—a 4.8-star-rated dish from 107 reviews, ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, or meal prep

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for 10 servings (about 1 cup each). Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.

Petite diced tomatoes (2 x 14.5-ounce cans, 411g each, drained, or 1 x 28-ounce can, 794g): Create a tangy, chunky base. Sub: Fire-roasted tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes.
Tomato sauce (15-ounce can, 425g): Adds smooth, rich tomato flavor. Sub: Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts (2 large, 1.5 lbs, 680g): Provide lean, shreddable protein. Sub: Chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or tofu for vegetarian.
Chicken broth (1 cup, 240ml, reduced-sodium): Forms the savory liquid base. Sub: Vegetable broth or water with bouillon.
Yellow onion (1 cup diced, 130g): Adds savory depth. Sub: White onion or shallots.
Green bell pepper (1 large, chopped): Brings mild crunch and color. Sub: Red/yellow bell pepper or poblano.
Corn (15-ounce can, 425g, drained, or 1 package frozen): Adds sweetness and texture. Sub: Fresh corn kernels or omit.
Black beans (15-ounce can, 425g, drained and rinsed): Provide protein and heartiness. Sub: Kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas.
Jalapeño (1, minced, seeds and ribs removed): Adds mild heat. Sub: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or omit for no spice.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavors. Sub: Kosher salt or low-sodium alternatives.
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Adds herby depth. Sub: Dried basil or fresh herbs (1 tablespoon).
Chili powder (2 teaspoons, reduce to 1 for less spice): Brings warm spice. Sub: Paprika or cayenne (use less).
Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds smoky, earthy flavor. Sub: Coriander or extra chili powder.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides savory warmth. Sub: 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Cream cheese (4 ounces, 113g, full-fat or light, room temperature): Creates creamy texture. Sub: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or vegan cream cheese.
Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream for flavor. Sub: Green onions or avocado slices.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and budget-conscious, creating a wholesome, flavorful chili

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Instructions

Combine ingredients: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, add two 14.5-ounce cans drained petite diced tomatoes, one 15-ounce can tomato sauce, 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup diced onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, one 15-ounce can drained corn, one 15-ounce can drained and rinsed black beans, 1 minced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons oregano, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir until combined. Tip: Ensure chicken is fully submerged for even cooking.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and veggies are soft. Tip: Check at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking.
Shred chicken and add cream cheese: Remove chicken to a large plate or cutting board and shred with two forks (or cut into bite-size pieces). Return to the slow cooker. Add 4 ounces room-temperature cream cheese and stir until melted. Taste and adjust salt or seasonings. Tip: Soften cream cheese beforehand for smoother blending.
Finish cooking: Cover and cook for 10-15 more minutes on low or high to meld flavors. Tip: Stir occasionally to fully incorporate cream cheese.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with optional cilantro, shredded cheese, or sour cream. Serve with cornbread or muffins. Tip: Offer garnishes in small bowls for customizable servings.