There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl that packs a punch of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors all at once. This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe is exactly that — a deliciously easy meal that simmers gently all day and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to chili for chilly nights and casual get-togethers.

A close-up view of a soup in a white bowl showing a rich broth filled with shredded chicken and mixed red and light brown beans as the base layer. On top, there is a generous layer of shredded yellow cheese with a dollop of white sour cream slightly covered by the cheese. Over this, fresh sliced green onions and chopped green herbs are scattered, along with a bright green jalapeño slice placed near the center. Crushed yellow tortilla chips add texture on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a rustic spoon with a worn handle is partly inside the soup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely thrilled every time I make this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe because it’s one of those meals that’s incredibly simple yet feels special, thanks to the wonderful blend of BBQ flavors and classic chili spices. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you relax or take care of other things.

Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic for hours—no babysitting required.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The smoky mesquite liquid smoke and tangy BBQ sauce combine with tender shredded chicken and beans for a hearty, comforting bowl.
Versatile and Customizable: It’s easy to tweak the spice level or swap ingredients to fit whatever tastes or dietary needs you have.
Great for Leftovers: Flavor only deepens after resting overnight, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

A large ladle holds a close-up scoop of thick stew, showing a rich orange-red broth base mixed with visible textures of shredded light brown chicken, reddish kidney beans, orange pinto beans, and small chopped pieces of yellowish onion; the ladle is inside a dark pot filled with more of the same stew. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe plays a role in creating those rich, smoky, and satisfying flavors you’ll love. From the tender chicken breasts that soak up the BBQ sauce, to the trio of beans adding texture and heartiness, these ingredients come together like old friends making magic.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small peeled and diced white onion, a small white bowl filled with thick red ketchup, a small white bowl holding light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of smooth yellow mustard, three small white bowls each containing fresh rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans respectively, a small white bowl with finely diced fresh green chilies, a small white bowl of dark mesquite liquid smoke, three small white bowls with chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika powders, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a small white bowl showing low sodium chicken broth mixed with cornstarch, all ingredients spaced symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they shred beautifully after slow cooking and absorb all those BBQ flavors wonderfully.
Olive oil: Helps brown and add richness to the chicken before it slows down cooking.
Garlic and onion: Classic aromatics that build depth and balance the sweetness from the sauce.
Ketchup and brown sugar: Bring sweetness and tang, the backbone for that BBQ-inspired flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, subtle kick that keeps the chili from feeling too heavy or sweet.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives an umami boost for savory complexity.
Yellow mustard: Provides just a hint of sharpness that cuts through the richness.
Cannellini, kidney, and pinto beans: A satisfying mix of beans gives the chili texture and plenty of plant-based protein.
Diced green chilies: Mild heat and a fresh bite that blend seamlessly with the smoky flavors.
Mesquite liquid smoke: That smoky BBQ signature note that turns simple chicken chili into something unforgettable.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika: Classic chili spices that warm the dish and create that comforting chili vibe.
Salt, pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out and balance all the flavors.
Chicken broth and cornstarch: The broth adds flavor and moisture while cornstarch thickens the chili into a perfect consistency.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve tried switching up the protein or turning up the heat, and I encourage you to make it your own too—play around with flavors or ingredients that suit you best.

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs when I want a juicier, richer chili; thighs hold up well and add a bit more flavor.
Heat Level: If you prefer more kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste when stirring everything together.
Beans Shy? If beans aren’t your thing, simply omit them or add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or corn for texture.
Veggie Boost: I’ve tossed in shredded carrots or zucchini before to sneak in some extra nutrients without changing the flavor much.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Load Your Slow Cooker

I like to start by lightly greasing my slow cooker with cooking spray to make cleanup easier. Then, I rub the chicken breasts with olive oil to help them absorb flavor and prevent sticking. After that, I add them to the slow cooker’s base and pour in all the remaining ingredients—ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, beans, spices—you name it. Give everything a gentle stir, just enough to combine without shredding the chicken yet.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, the high setting for 3 to 4 hours works too. I find the low setting yields the most tender chicken and well-developed flavors. Keep an eye on it with thinner chicken breasts—they might cook a bit faster, so checking earlier never hurts. The fragrance filling your kitchen at this point is proof it’s working!

Step 3: Shred and Finish

Once the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with two forks, carefully remove it to a cutting board, shred it up, and stir it back into the chili. Pop the lid back on and cook low for another 20 minutes to let everything meld perfectly. If you like your chili a bit thinner, add extra chicken broth or water here. Then, give it a taste test and adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few tricks that make this slow cooker BBQ chicken chili even better—and I’m excited to share them with you so your chili turns out perfect every time.

Don’t Skip the Liquid Smoke: Adding a couple of teaspoons of mesquite liquid smoke imparts that unmistakable smoky BBQ flavor that really elevates this chili from regular to wow.
Check Cooking Time for Thin Chicken: Thin chicken breasts can overcook fast, leaving the meat dry. Start tasting around 3-4 hours on high and remove once tender enough to shred.
Shred Chicken Outside the Slow Cooker: Removing the chicken first to shred prevents it from breaking apart too much and lets you control the texture better.
Adjust Thickness Last: I always add the cornstarch slurry with broth to give the chili a nice body, but if you want it thinner or thicker, adjust with extra broth or let it cook uncovered for a bit after shredding.

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the garnishes are half the fun! I love dolloping a spoonful of cool sour cream to balance the smoky, spicy bite. Fresh green onions and cilantro add brightness and a fresh pop. And of course, a handful of crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos gives the perfect salty crunch. Don’t forget shredded cheese melting right on top and crispy bacon bits if you want to get decadent.

Side Dishes

I often serve this chili alongside cornbread or crusty bread—nothing beats mopping up that saucy goodness. A simple green salad is a nice fresh counterpoint, or roasted veggies if I want to keep dinner hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game days, I like to serve this chili in mini bread bowls or over baked potatoes for a fun twist. I once made a chili bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own bowl—it was a huge hit and super interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I usually transfer mine to glass containers for easy reheating and minimal waste. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This chili freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags (LABEL them!) and it lasts about 3 months. When I defrost, I thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat mine gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to bring out the flavors again without drying out the chicken. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more moisture and richness. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed—the slow cooker is forgiving, but thighs generally cook similarly to breasts in this recipe.

What can I substitute for mesquite liquid smoke if I don’t have it?

If you can’t find liquid smoke, a small handful of smoked paprika or a splash of a smoky BBQ sauce can help mimic that flavor. While not exact, it still adds a nice smoky note.

Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply brown the chicken in oil in a large pot over medium heat, add all the ingredients, cover, and simmer gently until the chicken is tender (about 20-30 minutes). Then shred and simmer for 20 more minutes to blend flavors.

How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust the heat?

This chili has a mild, smoky heat suitable for most palates, but you can easily adjust by adding extra diced green chilies or hot sauce to suit your taste. For more heat, cayenne pepper or chipotle powder work great too.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe genuinely feels like one of those comforting, soul-warming dishes we all cherish in colder months or when we want a little cozy in a bowl. Every time I make it, friends and family rave about the smoky depth and how perfect it is for casual dinners or game nights. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it just as much as I do—once you do, you’ll have a new favorite slow cooker dinner that’s easy, delicious, and simply unforgettable.