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Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

  • Author: Eric
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili made with tender chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This rich and hearty chili is perfect for busy days, offering hands-off cooking and vibrant, cozy flavors. Enjoy a nourishing meal that melts plant-based cheese on top and is finished with fresh cilantro and lime.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Meat

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Canned & Packaged

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

Spices

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese

Fresh Finish

  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces. Rinse and drain the black and kidney beans thoroughly to remove excess liquid.
  2. Brown the Turkey Bacon and Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon pieces until crispy. Remove and transfer to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, quickly sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden to lock in flavor, then add them to the slow cooker.
  3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker with the chicken and turkey bacon. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and easy to shred.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir to combine well. Serve hot, topped with shredded plant-based cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and cumin for best flavor.
  • Browning the turkey bacon and chicken enhances the overall taste.
  • Adjust chicken broth quantity to prevent chili from being too watery or thick based on your slow cooker size.
  • Cook low and slow for maximum flavor or on high for a faster meal.
  • Add fresh diced jalapeños for spicier chili or omit for a milder version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken chili, turkey bacon chili, plant-based cheese chili, easy chicken chili, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://smartmealsguide.com/slow-cooker-chicken-chili/