Slow Cooker Chicken Chilli Weeknight Winner

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slow cooker chilli chicken that's both easy and flavourful? Honestly, who doesn't? This recipe is your ticket to a taste of Tex-Mex comfort food, perfect for those cold weather crock pot meals .

Brief Overview

Chilli, in its various forms, has roots stretching back to Tex-Mex cuisine. This version lets you use your best winter food slow cooker for a hands off meal.

It takes about 15 minutes of prep. It cooks for 6- 8 hours on low or 3-4 on high, yielding 6 servings.

Main Benefits

This weeknight chicken chilli recipe delivers protein and fibre, thanks to the chicken and beans. The dish makes a perfect filling dish on a fall weather food recipes like a chilly evening at home.

What makes it special? The easy slow cooker chicken recipes mean less stress and more flavour.

Craving a Chilli Chicken, But Short On Time?

Remember those days when you’d spend hours slaving away in the kitchen? Well, no more. This slow cooker chilli chicken with beans recipe is a game changer.

We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavour. It’s like having your own personal chef, without the hefty price tag.

What You'll Love About This Chilli

Okay, so this isn't your grandma's traditional chilli, but it's still wicked good. Think tender chicken. The chicken thigh chilli slow cooker recipes provide a hearty mix of smoky spices, juicy tomatoes, and hearty beans, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.

It’s Tex-Mex slow cooker chicken that practically cooks itself. You can even adjust the spice levels, for a mild slow cooker chicken chilli toppings , or kick if up a notch.

It's all about making it your own.

Simple Steps, Big Flavors

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Throw everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it.

The chicken cooks to the point where it practically falls apart. It's the ideal meal after a long day at work when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.

Plus, using crockpot recipes with chicken broth adds a layer of richness that will impress your taste buds.

Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Slow Cooker Chilli Chicken

Hey there, mates! So, you want to dive into some seriously good slow cooker chilli chicken ? Excellent choice! It's proper lush, especially when the Fall Weather Food Recipes are calling.

Let's get you sorted with what you'll need. Think of it as prepping your arsenal for deliciousness. This really is one of the best winter food recipes going, trust me.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you need, laid out proper simple. I’ve tried to make it as foolproof as possible. Honestly, I used to be rubbish at measuring, but now I’m practically Mary Berry, you know?

• Chicken Thighs: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) chunks. Quality wise, look for thighs that are plump and pink. Avoid anything that looks pale or feels slimy. Seriously, no one wants dodgy chicken. We're aiming for Chicken thigh chilli slow cooker perfection here!
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (plus extra for browning, if you fancy).
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green , chopped.
• Chilli Powder: 1 tbsp .
• Ground Cumin: 2 tsp .
• Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp .
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp .
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional, but why not?).
• Chopped Tomatoes: 1 (400g/14oz) tin.
• Kidney Beans: 1 (400g/14oz) tin, drained and rinsed.
• Black Beans: 1 (400g/14oz) tin, drained and rinsed.
• Sweetcorn: 1 (198g/7oz) tin, drained.
• Chicken Broth: 240 ml (1 cup) . Using good quality crockpot recipes with chicken broth can really elevate the flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Garnish: Fresh coriander (optional), sour cream/Greek yoghurt (optional), grated cheddar (optional).

Spice is Nice: Seasoning Notes

Spices are where the magic happens, innit?

• Essential Combo: Chilli powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are your foundation. They're like the Beatles of the spice rack iconic.
• Flavour Enhancers: Garlic is a must. Honestly, I sometimes double it. If you don't have fresh garlic, a teaspoon of garlic powder will do in a pinch. We want to make this a killer Weeknight chicken chilli recipe !
• Quick Subs: No smoked paprika? Regular paprika works too, just not quite as smoky. Oregano brings that lovely herby note.

Gear Up: Equipment Needed

Right, let's talk tools. Don't worry, you don’t need the whole shebang.

• Slow Cooker: Obvs. A 4-quart size or bigger is ideal. This will handle our cold weather crock pot meals perfectly.
• Skillet: Only if you’re browning the chicken. A frying pan will also work.
• Knife & Chopping Board: Standard stuff, yeah?
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get your bake off on!

Household Alternatives: No fancy measuring spoons? Eyeball it! Cooking is an art, not a science. Also, if you want a bit of a Tex-Mex slow cooker chicken vibe, add a squeeze of lime before serving!

Now you're sorted. Time to cook up a storm!

Slow Cooker Chilli Chicken: Weeknight Winner!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good slow cooker chicken chilli ? It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you just want something comforting.

And easy! Forget slaving over a hot stove. This one is a winner. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, especially great best winter food .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First things first: mise en place . Fancy, right? It just means get everything ready. Chop 1 large onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Dice 1 red and 1 green bell pepper. Next measure out all your spices. You’ll need 1 tbsp chilli powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave.

Don't forget to drain and rinse a tin each of kidney and black beans, plus sweetcorn. Oh, and grab a 240 ml (1 cup) of chicken broth .

step-by-step: Slow Cooker Simplicity

1. Optional! Brown 1.2 kg of chicken thighs in a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil . This isn't essential, but adds flavour.
2. Sauté the onion and peppers until soft. This takes about 5 minutes . Add the garlic. Cook for another minute.
3. Dump everything else in the slow cooker : browned chicken (or not), sautéed veggies, spices, beans, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, and chicken broth .
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be easily shredded.
6. Shred the chicken with two forks right in the pot.
7. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to thicken, if needed.
8. Serve with toppings.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chilli Game

Want to take your slow cooker chicken chilli to the next level? Here are some tricks. A common mistake is overcrowding the pan if browning chicken.

Do it in batches! For extra flavour in your Fall weather food recipes , try toasting your spices in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the slow cooker.

Chicken thigh chilli slow cooker freezes beautifully. Make a big batch and freeze portions for easy cold weather crock pot meals .

This easy slow cooker chicken recipes is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Give it a go and let me know what you think.

Recipe Notes

Oh my gosh, you're gonna love these extra tips! These are from my own kitchen adventures (and sometimes misadventures!) making this slow cooker chilli chicken .

Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference. Ready?

Ace-ing Your Serving Suggestions

Let’s talk presentation. How you serve this Weeknight chicken chilli recipe is key! It's the perfect Fall Weather Food Recipes , and honestly one of the Best Winter Food .

For plating, think rustic. A nice, deep bowl works a treat. A dollop of sour cream, fresh coriander, and some grated cheese? Chef's kiss .

For sides, I'm a sucker for cornbread. It soaks up all the delicious chilli juices. A cold beer? Spot on! A simple green salad? Yes, please! Try serving over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.

If you’re feeling fancy, avocado slices and a squeeze of lime are pure magic.

Nailing the Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Tex-Mex slow cooker chicken tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll happily keep for up to 3-4 days .

Fancy freezing it? Go for it. Let it cool completely first. Then pop it into freezer safe containers. This Cold Weather Crock Pot Meals will be ready to go for up to 3 months .

Thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, simmer gently on the hob, or microwave it until piping hot. Ensure it reaches a core temperature of 74° C ( 165° F) .

Variations that Wow

Fancy a twist? I sometimes swap the chicken thighs for turkey mince. It's a bit leaner, but still delicious. For a vegetarian option, just use butternut squash.

Trust me, it works a treat! This Easy slow cooker chicken recipes is super versatile.

Seasonal swaps? Absolutely! In autumn, add some diced pumpkin for extra sweetness. In summer, some grilled corn kernels are brilliant.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Alright, let's keep it simple. This Slow cooker chicken chilli with beans is packed with protein. The beans add loads of fibre, which is great for your gut.

It's got plenty of vitamins from the veggies too! This Chicken thigh chilli slow cooker provides a balanced mix of nutrients.

One serving has roughly 450 calories. That's just an estimate, of course. It depends on what toppings you use. The fibre helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Plus, it’s a damn tasty way to get your five-a-day. A nutritional powerhouse! Just remember to balance the meal with smaller portions of carbs and fats on the side.

Honestly, this slow cooker chilli chicken is a total winner. It’s easy, delicious, and packed with goodness. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! It's about enjoying the process, and ending up with a cracking meal to share with friends and family, add your own Slow cooker chicken chilli toppings .

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slow cooker chilli chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! This slow cooker chilli chicken is perfect for meal prepping. In fact, the flavours deepen overnight. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

It's like a culinary version of Groundhog Day - delicious every single time!

My slow cooker chilli chicken is a bit watery. How can I thicken it up?

No worries, we've all been there! If your slow cooker chilli chicken is looking a little thin, there are a couple of things you can do. First, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking on high to let some of the liquid evaporate.

Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the chilli during the last 30 minutes to thicken it up.

Is it possible to adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet?

Definitely! Transforming this into a vegetarian chilli is simple. Just replace the chicken with 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of butternut squash or sweet potatoes, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces. You might also consider adding an extra can of beans for protein and substance. It's like turning Chicken Run into a veggie delight!

How spicy is this slow cooker chilli chicken, and can I adjust the heat?

As written, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level, thanks to the chilli powder and a touch of cayenne pepper. If you're a chilli fiend (think Gordon Ramsay but with chillies!), feel free to add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chilli flakes. If you are spice sensitive, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

Taste as you go to find your Goldilocks zone of perfect spice.

Can I freeze leftover slow cooker chilli chicken?

Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve any leftovers. Ensure the chilli has cooled completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. It's like pressing pause on deliciousness!

What are some good toppings to serve with this slow cooker chilli chicken?

The toppings are where you can really customize this dish! Classic options include sour cream or Greek yoghurt, grated cheddar cheese, chopped fresh coriander, and a dollop of guacamole. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a squeeze of lime.

Think of it as a culinary Choose Your Own Adventure!