Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Chili

All of the parts of this fabulous meal can be made in advance.  

On this 8-inch plate you will see a cup of Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Chili; 

BrusselsSprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad; 

No-KneadSeeded Oat Bread spread with 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Hummus.

Makes 10 servings

Recipe from SkinnyTaste Fast and Slow

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

This popular slow cooker dish from Skinnytaste.com is a winner in my book.  I love that it’s packed with fiber and loads of taco flavor.  It’s quite easy to make and it freezes well too.  Take some time to actually make a few batches of the homemade taco seasoning.  It’s cheaper and much more healthful than the pre-made packets at the supermarket.

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

1½ Tablespoons ground cumin

1½ Tablespoons chili powder

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Mix the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.  Keep stored in an airtight container.

Chili Ingredients:

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15.25 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (10 oz.) package frozen corn kernels

2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with chilies

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies

1 small onion, chopped

Homemade Taco Seasoning

3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz. each)

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for serving (optional)

In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, onion, and Homemade Taco Seasoning.  Stir well.  Nestle the chicken on top and cover.  Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 10 hours.  About 30 minutes before it’s done, remove the chicken and shred with a fork.  Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir well. 

To serve, scoop the chili into individual bowls and top with cilantro.  You can also serve this over brown rice or serve it with baked tortilla chips.  You can top the chili with shredded cheese, diced avocado, red onions, or a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.

Nutritional Information: (1 cup serving) 221 calories; 3 grams fat; 0.5 grams saturated fat; 44 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrates; 8.5 grams fiber; 21 grams protein; 6 grams sugars; 729 mg sodium