Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili: A Smoky, Spicy, & Comforting Classic

If you’re looking for a flavorful, cozy meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili is exactly what you need. Made with tender shredded chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and a mix of hearty beans, this chili brings bold flavor to your dinner table with very little effort. Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal, prepping food for the week, or feeding a crowd, this slow cooker chipotle chicken chili delivers the perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and comfort in every spoonful.

If you enjoy creamy, savory slow cooker meals, you’ll also love this creamy broccoli cheddar chicken, another fantastic dump-and-go dinner for cozy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili

This isn’t your average chili recipe, it’s a bold and flavorful Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili that stands out from the rest. Here’s why this dish should be your next go-to:

  • Full of smoky, spicy chipotle chicken chili flavor
  • Made effortlessly in the slow cooker
  • Loaded with protein from shredded chicken and hearty beans
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
  • Great for leftovers and freezer meals
  • Ideal for meal prep or cold weather comfort food

When you want a no-stress recipe that still impresses, this slow cooker chipotle chicken chili hits the mark every time.

Looking for something with a Southwestern twist? Try this crockpot chicken enchilada casserole, a fan-favorite for enchilada lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this slow cooker chipotle chicken chili:

Protein

  • 1–1½ lbs shredded chicken (store-bought rotisserie or homemade)

Beans & Tomatoes

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (not drained)
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Veggies

  • 2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced
  • ½ white onion, chopped

Spices

  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1–1½ tsp chipotle chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Liquid

  • 1 cup chicken broth (add more if you want a thinner consistency)

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker

Here’s how to make the perfect pot of Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili:

  1. Prepare your vegetables – Dice the poblano peppers and white onion.
  2. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker, including the shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices.If you’re in the market for a reliable kitchen appliance, this programmable Crock-Pot slow cooker is a top-rated option, perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meals like this one.
  3. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed and coated in that rich, smoky chipotle blend.
  4. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  5. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.

This step-by-step process guarantees flavorful results, with the signature taste of chipotle chicken chili slow cooked to perfection.

For a quicker, equally flavorful option, you might also enjoy this easy taco soup recipe, a perfect alternative when you’re short on time.

How to Make Homemade Shredded Chicken

Want to skip the store-bought rotisserie? Here’s how to make your own juicy shredded chicken:

  • Chicken Breasts: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes
  • Chicken Thighs: Bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes
  • Chicken Tenders: Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes

Once done, shred using forks or a hand mixer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Topping Ideas: Customize Your Bowl

Toppings take this chili to the next level. Here are our favorites:

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla chips or strips
  • Sliced green onion
  • Fresh lime wedges

Storage & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili is how well it stores and reheats. It’s perfect for meal prep!

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. It keeps well for 3 months.
  • Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

You can even double the batch so you always have a freezer stash of smoky, spicy chipotle chicken chili ready to go.

If you prefer a chili with a lighter and creamier profile, consider making this popular white chicken chili, another slow cooker favorite that’s sure to please.

Flavor Boosters & Add-Ins

Want to mix it up? Add these extras for flavor and texture:

  • Corn or bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
  • Chipotle hot sauce or adobo sauce for a deeper kick
  • Cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist
  • Cream cheese or Greek yogurt stirred in for creaminess

Recipe Variations

Hearty slow cooker chipotle chicken chili featuring kidney beans, guacamole, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and lime slices in a ceramic bowl with tortilla chips

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili recipe is versatile and easy to customize:

  • Make it creamier by stirring in ½ cup of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end.
  • Use ground meat instead of shredded chicken if you prefer a texture closer to traditional beef chili.
  • Boost the heat with chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chipotle powder.
  • Make it vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for extra beans and adding corn.
  • Add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a nutrient-packed version.

No matter how you tweak it, this chipotle chicken chili slow cooker recipe keeps its bold, smoky flavor.

Try this Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet for a bold stovetop twist

Nutritional Benefits

This chili isn’t just tasty, it’s nutritious too:

  • High in protein from chicken and beans
  • Packed with fiber
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Can easily be dairy-free and low sodium

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t ruin a great pot of chili. Avoid these errors:

  • Adding too much chipotle powder (start small!)
  • Using watery tomatoes (drain if needed)
  • Overcooking the chicken
  • Not adjusting broth for your desired thickness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, but make sure it cooks to 165°F internally.

How spicy is chipotle chili?

Moderately spicy. Start with 1 tsp of chipotle powder and adjust to taste.

What beans work best?

Black beans and kidney beans are ideal. Pinto or white beans also work well.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! It freezes beautifully for up to 6 months.

How do I tone down the spice?

Add more broth, a dollop of sour cream, or a splash of lime juice.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a game day, feeding your family, or stocking your freezer, this Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, all thanks to the power of your slow cooker.

With just one bite, the deep, smoky taste of chipotle peppers, the tender shredded chicken, and the hearty beans will make this your new favorite chili recipe. Don’t be surprised if this chipotle chicken chili becomes a regular part of your weekly meal rotation.

Print
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Bowl of slow cooker chipotle chicken chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, served with tortilla chips

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili: A Smoky, Spicy, & Comforting Classic


  • Author: MERIEM
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A bold and smoky Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili made with shredded chicken, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle chili powder. This cozy, hearty, and flavorful recipe is perfect for chilly nights or weekly meal prep, all made with the ease of a crockpot.


Ingredients

Scale

lbs shredded cooked chicken
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
2 poblano peppers, deseeded and diced
½ white onion, chopped
3 tbsp chili powder
1½ tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp cumin
1–1½ tsp chipotle chili powder, to taste
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oregano
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla chips, lime wedges


Instructions

Prep the vegetables by chopping the onion and dicing the poblano peppers.
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, including the shredded chicken, beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Stir well.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like cheese, guacamole, lime, and cilantro.

Notes

This chili is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (without toppings).
Adjust the spice level by starting with 1 tsp of chipotle powder and adding more if desired.
For a thinner consistency, add up to ½ cup extra chicken broth.
Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Chili, crockpot chicken chili, chipotle chicken chili, spicy chicken chili

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