Gather all your ingredients and chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. This prep ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant—this deepens the flavor base.
Transfer the sautéed aromatics to your slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the chili.
Add the chopped chicken, canned diced tomatoes with juice, rinsed beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. This combination builds the rich, smoky flavor profile.
Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the spices and ingredients evenly.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The house will fill with smoky, spicy aromas as the chicken becomes tender and flavors meld.
Halfway through, check the chili and give it a gentle stir. If it's getting too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it saucy.
After the cooking time, uncover and stir the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili powder if desired.
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, zesty finish.
Enjoy the comforting, smoky chili that’s perfect for satisfying busy weeknights with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
