Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-18 · Updated 2026-05-18

Hearty and flavorful slow-cooked chicken chili with black beans, corn, and smoky spices, perfect for an easy weeknight meal. This Mexican-inspired slow-cooker recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, black beans, rinsed and drained, corn kernels, frozen or canned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

The slow cooker we’d leave this in all day → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a slow cooker. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 cup corn kernels, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. Step 3: Stir ingredients gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.