Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: crock pot chicken taco chili! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s hearty, flavorful, and downright satisfying—perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal without lifting a finger. I remember the first time I made this chili; I had friends over for a game night, and I wanted something easy yet impressive. I tossed everything into my trusty crock pot, and the tantalizing aroma filled the house! Everyone couldn’t wait to dig in, and honestly, it was a hit! You’ll get tender chicken that just falls apart, mingling with spices and a medley of beans and veggies that dance on your taste buds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be on your regular rotation. So grab your crock pot, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
To make my delightful crock pot chicken taco chili, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Don’t worry, these are easy to find and totally worth it for that hearty, comforting taste!
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the star of the show!
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – they add a lovely creaminess.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – this brings in that juicy, tangy goodness.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – this is where the magic happens with all those spices!
- 1 onion, diced – for that aromatic base that makes everything better.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – a must for that delicious depth of flavor.
- 3 cups chicken broth – this keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 bell pepper, diced – I usually go for red or green for a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – always taste as you go!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be all set to create a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
How to Prepare Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
Preparing my crock pot chicken taco chili is a breeze, and I just know you’re going to love how simple it is! The beauty of this dish lies in its “set it and forget it” charm. Here’s how to get it all ready for that perfect, cozy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your trusty crock pot and place the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom. This is where the magic begins!
- Next up, add in the 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 1 can (15 oz) corn, and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes. Make sure to drain the beans and corn first—they’re going to add a lovely creaminess and natural sweetness to our chili.
- Now, sprinkle in that 1 packet of taco seasoning. This is where all those incredible flavors come together. Don’t forget to give it a gentle stir to combine everything nicely!
- Add in the diced 1 onion and minced 2 cloves of garlic. These aromatics are key, trust me! They’ll fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent as they cook.
- Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful—this will also help the chicken cook perfectly.
- Lastly, toss in the diced 1 bell pepper for a pop of color and crunch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it another gentle stir to make sure everything is well mixed.
- Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. It’s so easy, you can go about your day while it does all the work!
- When the time is up, shred the chicken using two forks right in the pot. It’ll be so tender, it practically falls apart!
And there you have it! A hearty and flavorful crock pot chicken taco chili that’s ready to be enjoyed. I promise, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, my crock pot chicken taco chili not only warms the soul but also keeps things balanced! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 2g
These values are estimates, of course, but they give you a good idea of the hearty goodness packed into each bowl. You’ll get plenty of protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, making this chili not just delicious but also a fulfilling meal. Enjoy every nourishing bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work while you go about your day!
- Flavor-packed: With the blend of spices and fresh ingredients, each bite bursts with delicious taco-inspired flavor.
- Healthy and hearty: Loaded with protein and fiber, this chili is not just filling but also nutritious!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later!
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish is always a hit with everyone!
You’ll see, once you try this crock pot chicken taco chili, it’ll become a beloved staple in your home, just like it is in mine!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crock pot chicken taco chili turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference.
- Don’t skip the seasoning: The taco seasoning is key for that rich flavor, so don’t be shy! If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Layer strategically: Place the chicken at the bottom and add the beans, corn, and veggies on top. This way, the chicken absorbs all those fantastic flavors as it cooks.
- Taste as you go: Before serving, give your chili a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. A little more salt or a squeeze of lime can elevate the flavors!
- Use quality chicken broth: A good quality broth makes all the difference. If you have homemade chicken broth, definitely use that for a richer taste.
- Don’t rush the cooking: For the best texture, stick to the recommended cooking times. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll whip up a crock pot chicken taco chili that’s not just good, but downright unforgettable!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my delicious crock pot chicken taco chili, the options are endless! I love to pair it with crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch—dipping them right into the chili is such a treat! You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all those flavorful juices; it makes for a comforting meal that’s oh-so-satisfying.
Don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds a melty richness, while avocado or guacamole brings a creamy texture that complements the chili perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up. Trust me, these little extras will take your chili experience to the next level. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my delicious crock pot chicken taco chili is super simple, and it keeps the flavors intact! Just let the chili cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it! Portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can either warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or pop it in the microwave. If it seems a little thick after reheating, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to that perfect consistency. Enjoy those cozy flavors all over again!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making my crock pot chicken taco chili? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just toss the frozen chicken breasts straight into the crock pot. You might need to add an extra hour of cooking time, but it’ll turn out just as delicious!
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth works beautifully too! You could even use water, but I recommend adding a bit more seasoning to compensate for the flavor.
Can I make this chili spicy?
For sure! If you love a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you’re mixing everything in. You can always adjust the heat later, so taste as you go!
How do I thicken the chili?
If your chili comes out a bit too liquidy, just let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes with the lid off. This will help it reduce and thicken up nicely.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes! My crock pot chicken taco chili is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use gluten-free taco seasoning. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be safe!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips. Happy cooking!
For more information on the health benefits of beans, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, visit my blog for more ideas!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili: 7 Hearty Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful crock pot chicken taco chili.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and bell pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tortilla chips or over rice.
- Add toppings like cheese, avocado, or cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crock pot chicken taco chili