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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

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This healthy, hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is easy to make and full of bold, comforting flavor. Packed with tender chicken, fiber-rich beans, and plenty of vegetables, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prep sessions, or game day gatherings.

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of chili simmering away in the slow cooker while you go about your day. This recipe delivers classic chili flavor with minimal effort. Simply add everything to your crockpot, let it cook low and slow, then shred the chicken and serve.

It’s nourishing, satisfying, and wonderfully simple — the kind of dependable recipe every home cook needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/41 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 medium zucchini, diced

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (28-ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, unseasoned

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 2 teaspoons cumin

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Optional Toppings:
Grated cheddar cheese, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños, avocado slices.

Instructions

Step 1: Add Ingredients

Place all of the ingredients (except toppings) into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

Step 2: Cook

Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6–8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred into bite-size pieces.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Remove the bay leaf. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Prep and Freeze: Place all ingredients into a gallon-sized zippered freezer bag. Seal and press the bag to mix everything together. Label and freeze for up to 4 months. When ready to cook, transfer the frozen mixture directly to the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions above.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Spice Level: For extra heat, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.

  • Bean Swaps: Black beans or kidney beans work well if you don’t have pinto or white beans on hand.

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One Potato is a community and newsletter written by real people who are parents, having real conversations about our families, cooking traditions, and cultures. We are passionate about raising healthy and happy kids while navigating the challenges of picky eaters, dietary restrictions, busy schedules, and daily life.