Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Corn Chili?
It is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish made with chicken breasts, Pace Picante Sauce, sweet corn, and beans.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the slow cooker?
Cook the chicken on low for 6 to 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
What type of sauce provides the base for the chili?
A 16-ounce jar of Pace Picante Sauce is used to coat the chicken and provide the primary seasoning base.
Which spices are used in this chicken chili?
The recipe uses garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it apart into shreds.
Can I use black beans instead of pinto beans?
Yes, you can use either a 15-ounce can of pinto beans or black beans, depending on your preference.
What kind of corn should I use?
The recipe specifies an 11-ounce can of Mexican-style corn, which should be drained before adding.
Is this chili spicy?
The spice level depends on the picante sauce and hot sauce used; it includes 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce for a zesty kick.
When do I add the beans and corn?
Add the beans and corn after the chicken has been shredded and returned to the slow cooker.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 25g of protein per serving.
Is there much fat in this recipe?
No, it is relatively low in fat with only 6g per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this chili?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are recommended toppings for this chili?
Serving it with a dollop of sour cream is highly recommended for added creaminess.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
While the recipe specifies low for 6-8 hours, you can typically cook on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
Do I need to prep the ingredients beforehand?
Preparation is minimal; you only need to drain the corn and rinse the beans.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, hearty meal featuring lean protein and fiber-rich beans.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted, though it may slightly change the fat and calorie content.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, but you can adjust this to your preferred spice level.
Is this a good meal for a crowd?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a 'feed a crowd' recipe and is easy to scale up.
Do I need to add water or broth?
No extra liquid is required as the picante sauce and juices from the chicken provide enough moisture.
Can I make this chili overnight?
Yes, the recipe suggests the chicken can be cooked on low overnight.
What makes this 'Mexican-style' chili?
The combination of cumin, chili powder, picante sauce, and Mexican-style corn gives it its regional flair.
How long should I heat the chili after adding the beans and corn?
Continue cooking on low for about 20-30 minutes until everything is heated through.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh corn, though you may need to adjust seasonings to match the 'Mexican-style' canned version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the label on your picante sauce and canned goods to be sure.
How many garlic powder teaspoons are needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What is the texture of this chili?
It is a thick, hearty chili with shredded chicken rather than a liquid soup.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, peppers or onions would make great additions to the slow cooker along with the chicken.