Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili

Warm up your taste buds with a bowl of Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili, a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of southwest spices for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Just set it and forget it in the crockpot, and come home to a delicious dinner ready to enjoy!

If you love easy Crockpot Recipes, try my recipe for easy crockpot shredded chicken, crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta, slow cooker turkey white bean chili, or slow-cooker cajun jambalaya recipe.

Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili

Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together the bold flavors of the Southwest in a comforting bowl of goodness.

Tender chunks of chicken mingle with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika to create a robust and flavorful chili.

The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Southwest-inspired chili is sure to become a family favorite.

Top it with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro for a customizable meal that everyone will love. So fire up your crockpot!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Flavorful Ingredients: With a blend of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices, Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili is bursting with bold and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy Preparation: Simply toss all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it simmer away, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.
• Versatile Dish: This chili is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the level of spice or adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, cheese, or cilantro.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and veggies, this chili is not only delicious but also satisfying and nourishing, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Whip up a batch of Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili and portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving you time and money on busy days.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, this hearty chili is sure to become a staple in your household, bringing everyone together around the dinner table for a warm and comforting meal.

Ingredients Needed For Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for making a delicious bowl of Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and the nutritional information.

• Boneless Chicken Breast: Tender and flavorful boneless chicken breast serves as the protein base for the chili, adding substance to the dish.
• Yellow Onion: Diced yellow onion provides aromatic depth and sweetness to the chili, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• Black Beans: Rinsed and drained black beans add hearty texture and protein to the chili, making it more filling and satisfying.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies contribute tanginess and a hint of spice, adding complexity to the dish.
• Diced Green Chilies: Additional diced green chilies intensify the chili’s heat and flavor, providing a subtle kick.
• Corn: Sweet and crunchy corn kernels add a pop of color and freshness to the chili, balancing out its savory and spicy elements.
• Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce forms the flavorful base of the chili, providing richness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chili with aromatic pungency and savory complexity, enhancing its overall taste.
• Taco Seasoning: Packeted taco seasoning adds a blend of savory spices and herbs, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, to give the chili its signature Southwest flavor.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Packeted ranch dressing mix adds creamy richness and tangy flavor to the chili, creating a velvety texture and depth of taste.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the chili, creating a luscious and creamy texture while adding richness and depth of flavor.

How To Make Easy Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili

To make Easy Crockpot Chicken Taco Chili, follow these simple steps:

Prepare the crockpot by coating with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot followed by all of the remaining ingredients, stirring to slightly combine.

Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Remove the chicken to a large bowl and using forks or bear claws, shred the chicken before returning to the crockpot and mixing together.

Serve with garnishes like extra sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro.

Recipe Variations

There are several delicious variations you can try for Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili:

• Spicy Variation: For an extra kick, add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the chili while it cooks. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes or add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Vegetarian Variation: Make the chili vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Increase the amount of beans and vegetables, such as adding extra corn, bell peppers, or diced zucchini.
• Beef Variation: Swap the chicken for ground beef or diced beef stew meat for a heartier chili. Brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Tex-Mex Variation: Add Tex-Mex-inspired ingredients such as black olives, green onions, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness. Serve the chili with a side of tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for dipping.
• Cheesy Variation: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist. You can also top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream and extra cheese for extra indulgence.
• Bean Variation: Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, kidney beans, or white beans, to add variety and texture to the chili. Mix and match your favorite beans or use whatever you have on hand for a unique flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Variation: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer the chili uncovered in the slow cooker for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the flavors to intensify. Alternatively, use a slotted spoon to serve the chili, leaving behind excess liquid.

Pro Tips

• Sear the Chicken: For extra flavor, consider searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Simply brown the chicken in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides, then transfer it to the crockpot.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the chili about halfway through the cooking time and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, or other spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Shred Chicken Easily: To shred the chicken easily, use two forks to pull it apart directly in the crockpot once it’s cooked through and tender. Alternatively, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it on a cutting board before returning it to the chili.
• Add Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving. This will add richness and tanginess to the chili while also balancing out the flavors.
• Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes! Top individual servings of chili with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added freshness and flavor.
• Thicken if Needed: If the chili is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stirring it into the chili during the last hour of cooking. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered to help it thicken.
• Make Ahead: Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply transfer everything to the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.

Faqs Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Chili

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Simply add the frozen chicken directly to the crockpot with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that using frozen chicken may increase the cooking time, so plan accordingly.
• Can I make this recipe on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or Instant Pot. For the stovetop, simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes, then do a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• What toppings can I serve with this chili? There are many delicious toppings that pair well with Southwest Chicken Chili. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and lime wedges. You can also serve it with tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.
• How can I make this chili spicier? If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add additional diced green chilies, jalapenos, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies or increase the amount of chili powder and taco seasoning to amp up the heat.
• Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces such as chicken thighs or drumsticks in place of boneless chicken breast. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.

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