Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Name: Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup corn (frozen or canned); 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken broth

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A hearty and delicious chili that won't break the bank!

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2025-12-28T18:52:12.350Z

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Affordable ingredients that are easy to find

      

A Hearty Meal for Everyone

This Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is designed to be a satisfying meal for the whole family. With its mix of proteins and vegetables, it's not only filling but also nutritionally balanced. The combination of black beans, kidney beans, and chicken provides a protein punch that keeps hunger at bay, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Chili has long been a favorite comfort food, and this recipe captures that essence without the hefty price tag. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that every spoonful is packed with taste. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup for you!

Customization is Key

One of the best things about this chili is its versatility. Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a smokier flavor, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can do wonders. The possibilities are endless!

Toppings also play a crucial role in elevating your chili experience. Sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or even avocado can add fresh flavors and textures. Encourage your family to create their own chili masterpiece at the table for an interactive dining experience.

Make Ahead and Store

This chicken chili is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and store it in individual containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in minutes. It also freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for busy days.

When storing chili, make sure it cools completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can last in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date so you can enjoy it at its best!

Ingredients

For the Chili

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth

Feel free to add your favorite chili toppings!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans.

Combine in Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over the top.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the chili. Stir to combine.

Serve

Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Enjoy your delicious homemade chili!

Nutritional Benefits

This slow cooker chicken chili is not only budget-friendly but also packed with essential nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall health. Meanwhile, the beans provide a hearty dose of fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

In addition to the protein and fiber, this recipe is loaded with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its health benefits. Corn adds a sweet crunch and provides carbohydrates for energy, making this chili a well-rounded meal option.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or looking for a cozy dinner option, this Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Chili fits the bill. Its rich flavors appeal to both children and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to scale up for larger gatherings, ensuring that everyone gets a generous helping.

With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can spend more time enjoying the company of your guests rather than stressing in the kitchen. This chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze the chili?

Absolutely! This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and chopped green onions.