Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 175g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 150g)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 150g)
  • 1 (28 oz) can (794g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can (425g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can (425g) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can (425g) sweetcorn, drained
  • 1 packet (1.25 oz / 35g) chilli seasoning mix
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yoghurt (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack) (optional)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). This step adds extra depth of flavour, but you can skip it for ease.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. (If skipping the chicken browning, sauté aromatics directly in the slow cooker insert if it's stovetop-safe, otherwise use a skillet).
  3. Place browned chicken (or raw chicken) in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sautéed aromatics (if using).
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, sweetcorn, chilli seasoning, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and chicken broth.
  5. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
  7. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the chilli sauce.
  9. If desired, simmer on low for another 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld further.
  10. Garnish with fresh coriander, sour cream, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.