Zesty Skinny Taco Chicken Chili
Warm up with this Zesty Skinny Taco Chicken Chili, a convenient slow cooker recipe that's not only delicious but also healthy! Packed with protein from the tender chicken and fiber from an array of beans and veggies, this chili offers a hearty serving of flavor without the guilt. It’s a fantastic dish to prepare on busy days or during chilly weather, and it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Enjoy it on its own or paired with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal any day of the week!
10
Servings
210
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (chopped)
black beans
16 ounces (rinsed and drained)
kidney beans
16 ounces (rinsed and drained)
tomato sauce
8 ounces (none)
frozen corn
10 ounces (none)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
30 ounces (3 - 10 ounce cans) (none)
reduced-sodium taco seasoning
1 ounce (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
24 ounces (about 3-4 breasts)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
2
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing them down gently to ensure they are submerged in the sauce.
3
Cover and cook on a low setting for 10 hours or on a high setting for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
5
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the chili ingredients.
6
Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
0.6g
Fat
33g
Carbs
15g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
0.4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Skinny Taco Chicken Chili?
It is a healthy, protein-packed slow cooker meal made with chicken, various beans, corn, and taco-inspired seasonings.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is low in fat, high in protein and fiber, and specifically categorized as a low cholesterol dish.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This recipe is very lean, containing only 0.6g of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to provide 10 servings.
What is the protein content of the chili?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is 2.5g of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there much sugar in this recipe?
No, the sugar content is very low at 0.4g per serving.
What type of chicken should be used?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which is roughly 3 to 4 breasts.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker on low?
It takes 10 hours to cook on the low setting.
Can I cook this faster on a high setting?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 6 hours.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The chili uses 16 ounces of black beans and 16 ounces of kidney beans.
Do the beans need any preparation before adding them?
Yes, both the black beans and kidney beans should be rinsed and drained first.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses 30 ounces (three 10-ounce cans) of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How do I shred the chicken?
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving and shred it using two forks.
When do I add the shredded chicken back to the pot?
After shredding, return the chicken to the slow cooker and mix it well with the other ingredients for the final 30 minutes.
What spices are needed for the seasoning?
You will need 1 ounce of reduced-sodium taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Should the corn be fresh or frozen?
The recipe specifically calls for 10 ounces of frozen corn.
Does the recipe include onion?
Yes, one chopped onion is combined with the beans and sauce at the start.
What is the suggested garnish?
The chili should be sprinkled with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is perfect for meal prep as the flavors meld and it often tastes even better the next day.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this into a vegetarian chili by omitting the chicken and potentially adding extra beans or veggies.
Is this chili spicy?
The use of diced tomatoes with green chilies and chili powder gives it a zesty flavor, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How should I place the chicken in the slow cooker?
Place the chicken breasts on top of the bean and veggie mixture and press them down to ensure they are submerged.
Does this recipe contain high amounts of sodium?
The recipe recommends reduced-sodium taco seasoning to help manage the salt content.
Is this a good dish for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a great dish for chilly weather or any busy day when you want a warm, hearty meal.
What should I serve with this chili?
It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite toppings such as avocado, Greek yogurt, or cheese.
What is the main benefit of this slow cooker recipe?
It is highly convenient, requiring minimal hands-on time while providing a nutritious, high-protein meal.