Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Chili might be a deceiving title here, it could make you think of BEANS! But what if you could have all the textures and tastes of a really good chicken chili without having beans in your menu 😳?

Sweet potato is the answer to this question! And actually, I have found sweet potato to be the answer to many ideas for menu planning! The texture is filling, they have a wonderful taste, and greater health benefits than many other similar starchy type ingredients or side dishes. So add sweet potatoes to your shopping list today!

But why not just have beans? Well that is a personal choice, and for me personally, I eliminated beans from my eating plan when I began Whole30 many years ago and the result was that I felt better, was less bloated, and after time really didn’t miss them at all. But scientifically are they bad for you? Well no not really, but some believe they just don’t do much for you and can be difficult to digest. But if you want to take the time to research, there are many opinions out there to be shared 😉! I have added a minimal amount of legumes back into my menu planning and haven’t had any issues. The bottom line is, what works for you, your digestive system, and your overall health. And if it isn’t beans - you have sweet potatoes! 😆

INGREDIENTS -

2-3 organic chicken breasts
2 organic sweet potatoes, cut into bite size chunks, about 3 cups - White, orange, or purple
2 cups vegetable or chicken bone broth
4 oz can diced green chilies
1 Tbsp jalapeño, seeds removed, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cups onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped, plus extra for topping
1 Tbsp ghee
1/2 cup coconut milk or cream
1 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
Toppings (all optional) - jalapeno, cilantro, avocado, chives

Ok that might seem like a long list, but don’t be discouraged yet! It just takes a bit of time spent cutting and chopping, everything goes in the crock pot, and then you have the rest of the day to do whatever you desire while your meal simmers away.

Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and then top with the sweet potatoes, broth, green chilies, jalapeno, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro. The last four items will be added later.

Cook 6-8 hours on low. My particular crock pot is simmering pretty good on low so I believe it tends to run a little warm. Choose the best setting on your crock pot that delivers a low simmer throughout the cook time. After the cook time is up, use a fork and shred up the chicken, it should just pretty much fall apart.

Blend in the ghee, coconut milk, lime juice, nutritional yeast, and cover, allowing this to simmer for about another 20 minutes.

Pick the toppings of your choice and sit back and enjoy!