By Laura
Posted Aug 07, 2021, Updated Feb 24, 2024
5 from 9 votes
32 Comments
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This crockpot chicken chili recipe is easy to make and is a delicious, healthy meal to feed a crowd. Loaded with veggies, fiber and protein this chicken chili is even freezer-friendly. I make this chicken chili recipe every time I need to bring a meal to a friend. Gluten-free, dairy-free, & paleo-friendly.
This crockpot chicken chili is one of my favorite recipes of all time. It’s easy to make, healthy and feeds a lot of people.
I make this chicken chili recipe every time I need to bring a meal to a friend. I usually cook it the day before so I can drop it off in the early afternoon. It freezes really well, so if they don’t want to eat it right away they can freeze it for another day.
This recipe is loaded with veggies, fiber and protein and can be tailored to comply with any dietary needs, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, & paleo-friendly.
The Crockpot Chicken Chili: Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s chat about the ingredienets in this slow cooker chicken chili.
Note on Spice level.I use the mildest varieties of everything (chili seasoning, salsa, and green chiles) for two reasons: 1) I personally have a very low tolerance for spicy foods, and 2) I feed 6 children. If you like your chili to have a kick you can choose the heat level of your ingredients to suit your needs. Or add some hot sauce, chili powder, etc
- Salsa. Use your favorite salsa with your preferred heat (mild, medium, or spicy).
- Onion. Any variety works well, I most often use red or yellow onions.
- Vegetables.This recipe is very versatile. You can change up any of the veggies you like and substitute your favorites.
- Beans.Use your favorite beans. We usually choose black beans, kidney beans, great northern, or garbanzo. Whatever we have on hand.
- Brown sugar.Feel free to substitute coconut sugar for a refined sugar free version. Or you can simply omit it.
- Chili seasoning. I use a mild seasoning, but choose your favorite or make your own.
How to make Chicken Chili
We’ll walk through making this recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Begin by cooking the chicken in the salsa until it’s easily shredded with a fork, then shred the chicken.
While the chicken is cooking, sauté the vegetables, onion and garlic until soft.
After the chicken is shredded, add the rest of the ingredients to the crockpot and cook for an additional hour (at least) so all the flavors can blend together.
Serve
Serve the crockpot chicken chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese and a slice of cornbread (or cornbread croutons).
Store/freeze
Store this slow cooker chicken chili in an airtight container for up to 1 week in a fridge or 2 months in the freezer. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
How do you make chicken chili thicker?
To thicken this chili you can add flour, cornstarch or a touch of cornmeal.
Can I make this recipe paleo?
You can omit the beans and substitute coconut sugar tomake it paleo.
Can I double this crockpot chicken chili recipe?
Yes! I double this recipe every time I make it because I usually cook one batch to bring to a friend and one for our family. I cook each batch in a separate slow cooker because I love mine but it’s not big enough to fit large batches so I just bought two. But if you have a large crockpot you can cook a double back in it with no problem.
Can you cook chili too long?
Yes, you can cook this recipe too long so follow the instructions for cooking times.
If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
SavePinPrint
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Chili Recipe
Laura
The best Healthy Crockpot Chicken Chili ever! This recipe is so easy to make and is the perfect dinner to feed a crowd! Loaded with veggies, fiber and protein this meal is even freezer-friendly! Gluten-free, dairy-free, & paleo-friendly!
5 from 9 votes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 193.8
Prep Time10 minutes minutes
Cook Time5 hours hours 50 minutes minutes
Total Time6 hours hours
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces salsa
- 1 onion diced
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 4 ounces mild green chilies
- 6 Tablespoons chili seasoning (1.25 ounces, 1 Packet)
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3.8 ounces sliced black olives (canned, drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 14 ounces beans (black beans, kidney beans, great northern, etc.)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine chicken breasts, salsa, onion and minced garlic in a large slow cooker.
Cook on high for 2 hours, or low for 3 hours, or until chicken is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
Once the chicken is tender, shred it with two forks in the crockpot.
Then, add the rest of the ingredients – diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili seasoning, brown sugar, bell peppers, black olives, corn, and beans and stir to combine.
Continue cooking in the slow cooker on high for 1 hour, or on low for 2-3 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
Serve warm garnished with sour cream, green onions, cheese, chips, etc.!
Video
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Salsa. Use your favorite salsa with your preferred heat (mild, medium, or spicy).
- Onion. Any variety works well, I most often use red or yellow onions.
- Vegetables.This recipe is very versatile. You can change up any of the veggies you like and substitute your favorites.
- Beans.Use your favorite beans. We usually choose black beans, kidney beans, great northern, or garbanzo. Whatever we have on hand.
- Brown sugar.Feel free to substitute coconut sugar for a refined sugar free version. Or you can simply omit it.
- Chili seasoning. I use a mild seasoning, but choose your favorite or make your own.
Store/Freeze
Store this chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 193.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 23.6g | Protein: 18.5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.3g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 330mg | Fiber: 5.3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2225IU | Vitamin C: 66mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.8mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!
More Delicious Recipes
- This is the best quick and easy beef chili ever.
- For a different variety, try this creamy cheesy slow cooker white bean chicken chili.
- This Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Ground Turkey is gluten-free and SO delicious.
- We adore this Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi.
- Easy Homemade Pizza dough and Homemade Pizza Sauce is the best easy dinner ever.
- Try this easy Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe.
The links in this post are affiliate links, thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine.
