Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that balances smoky chipotle peppers with tender chicken and hearty beans. It’s an effortless meal perfect for any season, offering bold, layered flavors and a nourishing, protein-packed bowl that adapts easily to your taste preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Beans & Vegetables
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Optional: 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
Seasonings & Spices
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic, rinse and drain the beans, and dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Layer the diced chicken, rinsed black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped chipotle peppers, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and all the spices directly into your slow cooker. No sautéing needed.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors are fully developed.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker to integrate it fully into the chili’s hearty texture.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasonings by adding salt, pepper, or a splash of lime juice to brighten the chili before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality canned chipotle peppers in adobo for the best smoky flavor.
- Do not over-stir during cooking to allow flavors to meld properly.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
- Optionally add a pinch of coriander or cinnamon for subtle warmth.
- Cooking on low heat yields juicier chicken and richer flavors.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chipotle chicken chili, slow cooker chili, spicy chicken chili, slow cooker recipes, healthy chili, weeknight dinner