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: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb 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 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon 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 easy meal that will warm your heart and your wallet. Perfect for busy days!

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-28T16:01:11.634Z

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling without breaking the bank
Packed with protein and fiber for a nutritious meal
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

      

A Perfect Meal for Busy Days

When life gets hectic, finding time to prepare healthy meals can be a challenge. This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is the perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious dish without the stress of extensive meal prep. Simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and let it work its magic while you're busy with your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you'll have a hearty meal waiting for you, ready to be enjoyed with minimal effort.

Moreover, the slow cooker allows flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a rich and savory chili that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the depth of flavor but may not have the time to achieve it through traditional cooking methods.

Nutritional Benefits

This chicken chili is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination of chicken, beans, and vegetables provides a substantial amount of protein and fiber, making this dish a filling option that helps you stay satisfied for longer. Plus, with the addition of tomatoes and spices, you get a host of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet.

Using beans as a primary ingredient boosts the fiber content, which is great for digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. This makes this chili a fantastic option for families looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste or budget.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of this slow cooker chicken chili is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you're looking for a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.

Additionally, the choice of toppings can elevate your chili experience. Whether you prefer a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro, each addition can bring a new dimension to the dish. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your perfect bowl of chili!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious chili.

Ingredients

1 lb 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 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Mix all ingredients well in the slow cooker.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your chili.

Prepare Ingredients

Chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans.

Combine Ingredients

In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and chicken broth.

Cook the Chili

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

Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Stir to combine.

Serve

Serve hot with your choice of toppings.

Enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly chili!

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply place the cooled chili in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

If you want to prolong its life, consider freezing the chili. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken chili is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal by pairing it with sides like cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. Cornbread adds a delightful sweetness that balances the chili's spiciness, while rice can help absorb the flavors and make the meal even more filling.

For a fresh touch, consider serving a side salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chili. The crunch of fresh vegetables can also provide a nice contrast to the hearty texture of the dish.

Kid-Friendly Version

If you have picky eaters at home, this chicken chili can be easily adapted to suit their tastes. For a milder version, reduce the spices and opt for plain diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini, which can be finely chopped to blend in with the other ingredients.

Involving kids in the cooking process can also make them more excited about the meal. Let them help with measuring ingredients or stirring the pot. This not only makes cooking fun but also helps them develop a positive relationship with food.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time.

→ How can I make this chili spicier?

Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the mix.

→ Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with more beans or vegetables.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.