Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili

When the temperature drops, there’s nothing like the aroma of a warm, hearty meal waiting for you at the end of the day.

Enter Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili – a nutritious, flavorful twist on classic chili that’s as comforting as it is easy to make.

With tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a medley of spices, this chili is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the incredible flavors of this wholesome dish!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili

1. Wholesome and Nutritious: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, and chicken provides lean protein, making this a balanced and satisfying meal.
2. Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s that simple.
3. Versatile and Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, or make it vegetarian—this recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili

• Chicken: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness).
• Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium-sized, peeled and cubed.
• Beans: 1 can each of black beans and kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
• Tomatoes: 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz) and 1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz).
• Broth: 2 cups of chicken broth for a flavorful base.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Spices: 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat).
• Corn: 1 cup (frozen or fresh).
• Optional Add-ins: Diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or a splash of lime juice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Chili

1. Prep the Ingredients:
   • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
   • Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
   • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
   • Add the sweet potatoes, beans, onion, garlic, and corn on top.
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
   • Sprinkle the spices evenly over the top.
3. Set It and Forget It:
   • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   • Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
4. Adjust Consistency:
   • For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes with the back of a spoon.
   • Add more broth if you prefer a soupier texture.

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

Elevate your bowl of chili with these delicious toppings:

• Dairy: Sour cream, shredded cheddar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
• Crunch: Tortilla chips or crumbled cornbread.
• Avocado: Sliced avocado for a creamy touch.

Serve the chili on its own, over rice, or alongside warm cornbread for a truly satisfying meal.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

1. Storage:
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Reheating:
   • Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use a different protein like turkey or beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even tofu can be swapped in for the chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. Ground turkey or beef will cook faster than whole chicken breasts, so be sure to check that the meat is fully cooked.

How can I make this chili thicker?

If you like a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes with the back of a spoon or blend a portion of the chili in a blender and return it to the pot. You can also reduce the liquid by cooking it uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili is a heartwarming, nutritious dish that combines lean chicken, sweet potatoes, and a variety of beans, simmered in a flavorful broth with the perfect mix of spices.

Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers a comforting meal packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 325 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn

Optional add-ins:

• 1 diced bell pepper
• 1-2 diced jalapeños (for added heat)
• lime juice (for serving)

Instructions

 

Prep the Ingredients

• Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
• Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If adding bell peppers or jalapeños, dice them as well.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, onion, garlic, and corn on top.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Cook the Chili

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks.

Adjust Consistency

• For a thicker chili, mash some of the sweet potatoes with the back of a spoon to thicken the sauce.
• If the chili is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve and Garnish

• Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with rice, cornbread, or enjoy it as is.

Keyword Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili