Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Chili
Experience the comforting warmth of this Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Chili, perfect for those chilly evenings. This hearty dish is a delightful mix of tender chicken thighs enriched with aromatic spices, creamy white kidney beans, and a tangy hint of lime. Cooked low and slow to perfection, this chili will soon become a family favorite. Whether you prefer it on the stovetop, ready in just an hour, or savored after slow-cooking all day, it's sure to bring joy to your dinner table. Optionally, add chicken broth to create a more soupy consistency that complements the dish's flavors.
4
Servings
450
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (none)
ground cumin
1.5 teaspoons (none)
dried chipotle powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1.5 teaspoons (none)
white kidney beans
19 ounces (drained and rinsed)
green chilies
2 cans (4.5 ounces each) (chopped)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (mixed with water)
cilantro
1/3 cup (fresh, chopped)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Instructions
1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them evenly on both sides. Transfer the browned chicken to your crock pot.
2
In the same skillet, drain any excess fat and add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Introduce the chopped onion, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft, about 6 minutes. Transfer this aromatic mixture to the crock pot.
3
To the crock pot, add the drained and rinsed white kidney beans along with the chopped green chilies. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
After the initial cooking period, remove the chicken thighs from the sauce, and dice them into bite-sized chunks. Set aside.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the crock pot and then switch the setting to high. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6
Return the diced chicken to the pot, and add the freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice. Stir well to heat through, then serve hot for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
30g
Protein
7g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
650mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken and Bean Chili?
It is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs, white kidney beans, aromatic spices, and a tangy hint of lime, prepared in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long does the chili need to cook in the slow cooker?
The chili should cook on low heat for 5 hours, followed by an additional 15 minutes on high after adding the thickener.
Can I prepare this chicken chili on a stovetop?
Yes, this dish can be prepared on the stovetop and is ready in approximately one hour.
What type of chicken is recommended for this chili?
The recipe calls for 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 19 ounces of drained and rinsed white kidney beans.
Is this chicken chili spicy?
The chili is described as 'zesty' and contains chipotle powder and chopped green chilies, which provide a moderate level of heat.
How many calories are in one serving of this chili?
Each serving contains 450 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 30 grams of protein in each serving of the chili.
How do I thicken the chili sauce?
Whisk together 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 3 tablespoons of water to create a paste, then stir it into the pot and cook on high for 15 minutes.
Should I brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the chicken thighs in a skillet with vegetable oil before transferring them to the crock pot for better flavor and texture.
What spices are required for the aromatic mixture?
The spice mix includes ground coriander, ground cumin, dried chipotle powder, salt, and pepper.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving of this chicken and bean chili contains 17.5g of fat.
Can I add liquid to make the chili more like a soup?
Yes, the description suggests adding chicken broth to create a more soupy consistency if desired.
When do I add the fresh cilantro and lime juice?
These ingredients should be stirred in at the very end of the cooking process after the chicken has been diced and returned to the pot.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much sodium is in this dish?
The dish contains 650mg of sodium per serving.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 14 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains 2g of sugar per serving.
How much fiber does this chili provide?
This chili is a good source of fiber, providing 7g per serving.
What size cans of green chilies are needed?
You will need two 4.5-ounce cans of chopped green chilies.
When should the chicken be diced?
After the 5-hour slow cooking period, remove the thighs from the sauce, dice them, and then return them to the pot later.
How long do I cook the onions and garlic?
The onions, garlic, and spices should be cooked in a skillet for about 6 minutes until the onion becomes soft.
What type of oil is best for browning the chicken?
The recipe recommends using vegetable oil.
Is this recipe considered a high-protein meal?
Yes, it is tagged as protein-rich with 30g of protein per serving.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken chili, slow cooker, comfort food, spicy, easy dinner, protein rich, hearty meals, and gluten free.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, the instructions state the white kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the crock pot.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
The recipe requires boneless skinless chicken thighs.