Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Name: Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken broth; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a delicious and hearty meal that's easy on your wallet and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:07:11.816Z

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is not just economical; it's also packed with flavor and nutrition. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, savory flavor that's sure to satisfy
Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

      

A Hearty Meal for Any Occasion

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is not only economical but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, preparing a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chili fits the bill perfectly. Its robust flavor profile ensures that everyone at the table will enjoy it, making it a great choice for both casual and special gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily modify it to suit your family's preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to add more vegetables, swap out proteins, or adjust the spices to create a chili that’s uniquely yours. This flexibility can help you use up pantry staples while still delivering a delicious meal.

Nutrition Packed in Every Bite

One of the standout features of this chicken chili is its nutritional value. Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, it's a filling meal that can help keep you energized throughout the day. The addition of vegetables like corn and tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a well-rounded option.

Moreover, the beans in this recipe are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Eating meals high in fiber can promote fullness and help regulate blood sugar levels. By choosing this slow cooker chili, you're not only treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Tips for Perfect Chili

To ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time, it's essential to follow a few simple tips. First, make sure to season your chili well, tasting as you go. The balance of flavors can significantly impact the final dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Another helpful tip is to let the chili sit for a while after cooking. Allowing it to rest for about 30 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together. The leftovers are also fantastic, often tasting even better the next day, making this recipe a fantastic option for meal prep.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Make sure to have these ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your chili:

Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans. Cut the chicken into chunks if desired.

Combine in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and chicken broth.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Serve

Serve hot, topped with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly chicken chili!

Storage and Reheating

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is perfect for those who love to meal prep or enjoy leftovers. After cooking, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it's heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the chili as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, and enjoy your delicious meal again!

Serving Suggestions

When serving your chicken chili, consider pairing it with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. These sides complement the chili's rich flavors and add an enjoyable texture to your meal. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a heartier option that increases the nutritional value.

For a complete meal experience, don't forget the toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro are excellent choices that can elevate your chili to new heights. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a refreshing zing, making each bite even more satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.

→ Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild, but you can add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

→ Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.