Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Mexican Style Chicken Chili! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic spices and a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. This recipe is not just a meal - it's a flavor-packed journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Chop the onion into small, uniform pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a large slow cooker, place the whole chicken breasts at the bottom of the pot.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans over the chicken.
- Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes over the beans, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle the chopped onions and minced garlic evenly across the top.
- Season the mixture by adding chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, making sure to distribute the spices thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Trimming excess fat ensures a leaner dish.
- Spice Distribution is Key: When adding spices, sprinkle them evenly to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned. Don't be afraid to adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.
- Slow and Steady Wins: Stick to the low heat setting for 6 hours to allow the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Shredding Technique: For the most tender shredded chicken, use two forks and pull the meat apart while it's still warm.
- Optional Toppings: Enhance your chili with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat for an easy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg