Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Slow cooker chicken chili is a warming, comforting dish that will satisfy your hunger on cold winter evenings or anytime you want something hearty and flavorful. This recipe serves four people and takes approximately 4 hours to prepare.

Slow cooking in the crock pot allows for tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and rich, savory flavors in the chili. The key ingredient is chicken broth which provides a base that ties all other elements together beautifully. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and corn not only adds texture but also brings freshness to balance out the richness of the spices.

Begin by prepping your ingredients: 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; one medium onion finely chopped; three large green bell peppers, sliced; four cups of low sodium chicken broth; two cans (15 oz each) of tomatoes and corn; a teaspoon of ground cumin; half a teaspoon of smoked paprika; salt and pepper to taste.

Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place it in your slow cooker with the chopped onions and bell peppers, ensuring they are well distributed so no ingredients sit at the bottom during cooking time.

• Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes
• Quarter each bell pepper before slicing them up
• Chop the onion finely to ensure it blends smoothly throughout the chili

Once you’ve added your main ingredients, pour in four cups of low sodium chicken broth. This liquid helps keep everything moist as they simmer together slowly and evenly.

Add two cans worth (15 ounces each) of tomatoes along with a can of corn kernels. Freshly squeezed lime juice adds an extra layer of zest, but you could also opt for bottled lime if fresh isn’t available.

1. Open up the cans of tomatoes and drain any excess liquid
2. Drain your can(s) of corn before adding to slow cooker
3. If using limes instead, take one or two depending on desired acidity

Season with a teaspoon of ground cumin for warmth and depth, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika for color and slight sweetness. Salt and pepper will adjust according to personal preference, but it’s recommended not to overdo it as this dish is rich enough in itself.

To avoid potential oversalting, start by adding just a pinch or two of salt first and taste before deciding on further additions. Similarly, pepper should be added gradually until the desired spiciness level has been reached.

Cover everything and set your slow cooker to low heat for at least 6 hours if using boneless chicken breasts; alternatively, choose high heat for about 3-4 hours. Low heat ensures even cooking while preventing overcooking of the meat which can make it dry. High heat might lead to quicker but uneven heating.

After several hours (depending on your setting), remove a spoonful from your pot and taste it. If it needs more seasoning, sprinkle in additional cumin or paprika according to taste. For extra flavor, you could even consider adding chili powder or garlic powder, though these are optional depending upon personal preference.

Once everything has cooked down and the flavors have melded together nicely, serve immediately over bowls of your favorite side dishes such as warm cornbread muffins or tortillas if preferred. You may also garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Slow cooker chicken chili is versatile and adaptable to personal preferences making it an ideal go-to meal whenever you want something substantial yet simple to prepare. Whether served as part of your regular dinner routine or enjoyed during gatherings with friends and family, this comforting dish will be a hit at home any day of the week.

Enjoy every bite of this deliciously satisfying slow cooker chicken chili!