Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. With tender chunks of chicken, naturally sweet potatoes, and a bold blend of spices, this chili offers a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your bowl with nourishing goodness.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastssweet potatoes (peeled and diced)black beans (drained and rinsed)diced tomatoes with juicesonion (chopped)garlic (minced)chicken brothchili powderground cuminpaprikasalt and pepperolive oillime juicefresh cilantro (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add chicken breasts, diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir well.

Add a splash of lime juice before serving and top with fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a different protein.
Add corn or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Top with avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.

Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely, assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just place it in the cooker and start it.

Do I need to sauté the onions first?
It enhances the flavor, but you can skip this step for convenience.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit the chicken and use extra beans or lentils with vegetable broth.

Is this chili spicy?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.

What can I serve with this chili?
Try cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough.

How do I thicken the chili?
Mash some sweet potatoes or beans into the chili and stir.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes are best, but canned can work in a pinch—just add them in the last hour of cooking.

Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Chili is a flavorful, wholesome, and easy meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or weekly meal prep. Its simple preparation and rich flavors make it a go-to comfort dish that satisfies both taste and nutrition. Try it once, and it’ll likely become a staple in your slow cooker lineup.