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Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Chili - Cozy, Flavorful, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, tortilla chips, green onions

Method
 

  1. Layer the base: Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, and quinoa to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  2. Season generously: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the spices are evenly distributed.
  3. Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture, making sure they’re submerged. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the quinoa is tender.
  5. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return it to the crockpot and stir to combine.
  6. Adjust thickness: If the chili is thicker than you like, stir in an extra 1/2–1 cup of broth. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered on High for 15–20 minutes.
  7. Brighten it up: Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.
  8. Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings. A little cheese, a dollop of yogurt, and a handful of cilantro go a long way.