There’s just something comforting about a bowl of chili that warms you from the inside out. This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe is my go-to when I want that smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor with minimal fuss — and trust me, it always delivers big-time flavor with a hands-off approach.

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

Guys, this recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. The beauty of it is that it combines the best of BBQ and chili worlds in a slow cooker, so you get that deep, layered flavor without lugging around big pots or standing over the stove.

Set-it-and-forget-it ease: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
Sweet and smoky combo: The liquid smoke paired with brown sugar and ketchup creates that perfect backyard BBQ vibe.
Hearty and healthy: Three types of beans plus lean chicken make it filling without feeling heavy.
Super versatile: You can easily tweak spices, add heat, or switch up garnishes to make it your own.

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

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe brings together simple pantry staples with flavors that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient plays its part, whether it’s building sweetness, smokiness, or that chili kick you crave.

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 protein that shreds easily and absorbs all the rich BBQ flavors.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown slightly and keeps things moist in the slow cooker.
Garlic cloves: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor base without overpowering.
Onion: Brings a slight sweetness as it slowly cooks and mingles with spices.
Ketchup: Surprising as it sounds, it adds tangy sweetness and a thick texture.
Brown sugar: Balances the acidity and intensifies the BBQ character.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives that mild tart brightness that cuts through richness.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth — don’t skip it, it’s a flavor booster.
Yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang that complements the BBQ flair perfectly.
Cannellini, kidney, and pinto beans: The trifecta for texture, fiber, and heartiness.
Mild diced green chilies: Just a gentle hint of heat and smokiness without overwhelming.
Mesquite liquid smoke: This is the star that delivers that authentic smoky BBQ punch.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika: Classic chili spices that layer warmth and depth.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning just right.
Chicken broth with cornstarch: Keeps it saucy without being too thin, adding a nice body to the chili.

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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 my favorite parts about this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak the spice level or swap beans depending on what I have on hand, and honestly, no two batches have tasted exactly the same — but every single one has been delicious.

Spicy variation: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a nice kick that wakes up the BBQ flavors.
Vegetarian switch-up: Skip the chicken and double the beans or add chopped roasted veggies for a plant-based twist.
Smoky twist: Try adding a bit more mesquite liquid smoke or a drop of chipotle for a deeper smoky heat.
Chunkier chili: If you like more texture, keep the beans undrained and add less broth next time.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Chicken

Give your slow cooker a quick spritz with olive oil or non-stick spray so nothing sticks. Rub the chicken breasts with a touch of olive oil — this little step helps them stay juicy as they cook. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker, which helps the chicken cook evenly and soak in all those fantastic flavors.

Step 2: Add Your Flavor Bomb Ingredients

In goes the minced garlic, diced onion, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard — basically all those ingredients that make this chili uniquely BBQ and full of flavor. Follow it up with the beans (undrained for a thicker chili), mild green chilies, spices, and your secret weapon, the mesquite liquid smoke.

Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking lets the chicken become tender enough to shred and allows those flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, you can speed it up by cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours, but I really recommend the low-and-slow approach if you can.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Final Simmer

Once the chicken is fork-tender, pull it out onto a cutting board and shred it — this part never fails to make me smile, the way the meat just falls apart. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir it in, and let everything simmer on low for another 20 minutes. If the chili looks too thick, feel free to add some water or extra chicken broth to loosen it up.

Top Tip

I’ve made this chili dozens of times, and getting the balance right between smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors is key. These tips will help you nail it every single time.

Don’t skip the liquid smoke: It adds an authentic BBQ taste that’s hard to replicate — a little goes a long way!
Use undrained beans: The liquid adds creaminess and thickens the chili naturally.
Shred the chicken carefully: Shredding while warm makes for tender pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Adjust seasoning at the end: After the final simmer, taste and add salt, pepper, or hot sauce gradually instead of all at once.

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love topping this chili with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and plenty of chopped green onions for that fresh bite. Sometimes I add crispy bacon bits and a few cilantro leaves. And honestly, crushed tortilla chips or Fritos on top just take it over the edge — that crunch against the creamy chili is divine.

Side Dishes

We often pair this chili with simple sides like cornbread or a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. On chillier days, buttery garlic bread or even skillet nachos make the meal extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For game days or casual parties, I love serving this chili in small, individual bread bowls or in mini cast iron skillets. It’s a fun, rustic way to impress guests without extra fuss. You can also make it into a chili bar with various toppings and let everyone build their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili actually tastes better the next day — perfect for meal prep or enjoying later. I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they stay fresh for up to 5 days, making weekday lunches a breeze.

Freezing

Since this recipe freezes beautifully, I often double the batch and stash half in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the flavors and texture. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water can help bring it back to its original creamy consistency. Microwave works fine too, just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can simmer all the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop. I recommend searing the chicken first, then simmering everything covered on low heat until the chicken is tender—about 30-45 minutes. Shred and simmer a bit longer for best flavor.

What can I substitute for liquid smoke if I can’t find it?

If liquid smoke isn’t available, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika or even a drop of chipotle hot sauce for smoky flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it still adds a nice depth to the chili.

How spicy is this chili?

This chili is mild by default because it uses mild diced green chilies and just a touch of chili powder. However, you can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to make it as mild or spicy as you like.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great and can even add extra flavor and moisture. Because thighs are fattier, the chili might be a bit richer. Cooking times are roughly the same, but always check for tenderness before shredding.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s warm, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or need a one-pot meal that everyone at the table will rave about, this chili has you covered. Give it a try on a lazy weekend or when you want to relax and come home to a dish that’s already done — you won’t regret it!