Description

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken simmered with smoky chipotle peppers, beans, vegetables, and spices. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for busy days or gatherings, and delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy a protein-packed, gluten-free chili that’s great for leftovers and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables & Beans

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
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped

Sauces & Liquids

2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus 2 tbsp adobo sauce)
2 cups chicken broth

Spices

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell pepper. Rinse and drain the black beans and kidney beans to keep the chili thick. Set aside the chipotle peppers and the adobo sauce for the smoky flavor.
Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, chipotle peppers, and spices on top. Pour in the chicken broth to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the smoky, spicy flavors while the beans and vegetables soften.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well for thorough distribution.
Taste and Adjust: Stir the chili and taste for seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or extra chipotle sauce as needed to reach your desired flavor balance.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and onions for the best flavor.
Do not skip the adobo sauce for its deep smoky taste.
Toast spices lightly before adding to enhance aroma.
Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture.
Let the chicken rest before shredding to keep it juicy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: chipotle chicken chili, slow cooker chili, smoky chili, healthy chicken chili, gluten free chili, slow cooker recipe