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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili


  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is an easy, hearty, and comforting meal made with moist chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, vibrant vegetables, and rich beans. It simmers slowly to develop deep flavors and a satisfying texture, perfect for any occasion or meal prep. The recipe is flexible and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a nourishing option for a delicious gluten-free dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • Optional: 1 cup diced zucchini or corn for vegetable boost

Seasonings & Liquids

  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, red and green bell peppers until softened and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the sautéed vegetables, chopped turkey bacon, bone-in chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, drained black and kidney beans, chipotle chili powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and deepens the flavor of the chili.
  4. Thicken and Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the chili and stir well to thicken. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed. Just before serving, stir in freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness.
  • Do not skip sautéing the turkey bacon and vegetables to deepen flavor.
  • Adjust chili thickness with extra broth or additional natural gelling agent as preferred.
  • Control spice level by adding more or less chipotle chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
  • Assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate for convenient meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken chili, slow cooker chili, turkey bacon chili, hearty chili, gluten free chili, easy slow cooker recipe