Hearty & Healthy Crock Pot Chili Chicken: Low-Carb, Beanless, and Delicious with Cauliflower
Welcome to a culinary revelation that will change your chili game forever! This Crock Pot Chili Chicken is a healthy, hearty, and flavorful chicken chili that ingeniously uses cauliflower instead of traditional beans. The result? A rich, satisfying texture and depth of flavor, all while keeping the carbs wonderfully low. Get ready to embrace a new favorite that’s perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious, comforting meal without compromise. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Some years stand out in our memories for significant life events. For many, 2015 might have been marked by big personal milestones – perhaps a daughter starting kindergarten, the launch of a new passion project like this blog, or embarking on the incredible journey of becoming a stay-at-home parent. These moments shape us, but for a food enthusiast, sometimes a year is defined by something far more unexpected, yet equally impactful: a single ingredient.
The Year of Cauliflower: A Low-Carb Revolution
Do you ever find yourself measuring your year in food trends or staple ingredients? I certainly do! I vividly recall a time when my husband and I affectionately dubbed 2009 “the year of black beans” – a testament to our culinary explorations at the time. Then came “the year of zucchini,” largely thanks to the discovery of amazing tools like The Veggetti that transformed the humble squash into delicious pasta alternatives.
But without a doubt, 2015 solidified its place in my kitchen history as the year that cauliflower ascended to MVP status – Most Valuable Produce. It wasn’t just a fleeting fancy; cauliflower became an indispensable ingredient, proving its versatility and nutritional power in countless dishes. You might wonder if these are “normal thoughts,” but when you find an ingredient that so profoundly impacts your healthy eating journey, it certainly deserves a place of honor!
Thankfully, it wasn’t the “year of the Twinkie” – a phase I fondly (or perhaps not so fondly) remember from my twenties, when my metabolism was a much more forgiving friend. Oh, how I miss those days!
Why Cauliflower is the Secret to This Amazing Chili
In my quest to incorporate more nutrient-dense “GREEN” foods into our diet, I started experimenting by adding cauliflower to all sorts of dishes. Given that beans, a traditional chili ingredient, are often categorized differently in various healthy eating plans (like a “YELLOW” container on the 21 Day Fix), I was curious to see how cauliflower would stand up to the robust flavors of chili. The answer, to my absolute delight, was “freaking delicious!”
Not only did the cauliflower absorb the rich chili seasonings beautifully, but its texture also proved to be remarkably similar to beans in this dish. When diced small and slow-cooked, it softens to a tender bite that provides the bulk and heartiness you expect from a great chili, without the added carbohydrates of legumes. This makes it an ideal option for those following low-carb, keto-friendly, or specific portion-control plans like the 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers.
The Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Chicken
The end result of this culinary experiment is a slow cooker chili chicken that is wonderfully versatile and incredibly satisfying. This isn’t just a bowl of chili; it’s a foundation for a myriad of healthy, flavorful meals. Imagine transforming it into vibrant burrito bowls, stuffing it into soft tacos, wrapping it in a large lettuce leaf for a low-carb option, or simply enjoying it as a comforting stew.
Packed full of healthy vegetables and lean protein, this chili offers both incredible taste and nutritional benefits. For those who can accommodate a little extra “YELLOW” in their plan, pairing this chili with some organic tortilla chips adds a delightful crunch and allows for that classic chili-and-chips experience. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving and enjoying this delicious creation.
Elevate Your Chili: The Art of Toppings
No chili is truly complete without a generous array of delicious toppings! They add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal, transforming a simple bowl into a personalized masterpiece. For this Crock Pot Chili Chicken, I love to go all out. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy, savory note. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbaceous brightness, while creamy guacamole or sliced avocado provides healthy fats and a cooling contrast to the chili’s warmth.
Don’t stop there! Consider a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich topping, or some thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony bite. If you’re not strictly low-carb, a few kernels of sweet corn can add a touch of sweetness. Black olives, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce can further customize each serving. What are your favorite chili toppings? Share your secrets – the more creative, the better!
Perfect for Your Healthy Lifestyle: 21 Day Fix & Weight Watchers Friendly
One of the standout features of this Crock Pot Chili Chicken is its compatibility with popular healthy eating programs. For those following the 21 Day Fix, this recipe is a fantastic way to pack in your greens and lean protein without consuming extra yellow containers for beans. The cauliflower ensures you get the hearty texture of chili while keeping your portions balanced. Each serving counts as 2 GREEN containers and 1 RED container, with additional toppings being counted separately, allowing for flexible meal planning.
If you’re tracking with Weight Watchers Freestyle (now known as WW PersonalPoints), you’ll be thrilled to know that this chili, without additional high-point toppings, can often be a ZERO point meal! This makes it an incredibly satisfying and guilt-free option for lunch or dinner, providing a substantial, flavor-packed meal that helps you stay on track with your points budget. The combination of lean chicken and an abundance of non-starchy vegetables makes it a smart choice for maintaining weight or working towards your health goals.
More Delicious Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth and versatility of chili, you’ll be happy to know there are many other exciting variations to try! Whether you prefer beef, different vegetables, or even a bit of spice, these recipes offer something for every palate. Expand your chili repertoire with some of these other fantastic options:
- 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Beanless Beef Chili {Paleo/Whole 30 Friendly}
- 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
- 21 Day Fix Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili (Stovetop/Instant Pot)
- 21 Day Fix Chili Recipes (80 Day Obsession Friendly)
It’s cauliflower for the win. Again! Enjoy this recipe…
21 Day Fix – Crock Pot Chili Chicken
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower florets (diced up small)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 red or green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 poblano pepper (diced)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 28 ounces organic tomato puree
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Toppings of your choice: cheese, more cilantro, greens, beans (if desired), guacamole, Greek yogurt, olives, corn tortilla chips
Instructions
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Add all ingredients, except for the garnishes and toppings, to your Crock Pot. Stir everything together well to ensure all the flavors meld.
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Cook the chili on the lowest setting for 6-8 hours. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine thoroughly. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference.
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Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and add your chosen toppings for a personalized and delicious meal. Enjoy!
Notes
WW Freestyle / PersonalPoints: This recipe is a fantastic ZERO point option (before adding any toppings that might have points). Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that supports your Weight Watchers journey.
Nutrition
Calories: 254kcal
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Cholesterol: 73mg
Sodium: 1308mg
Potassium: 1569mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 14g
Vitamin A: 2781IU
Vitamin C: 99mg
Calcium: 74mg
Iron: 5mg
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This Crock Pot Chili Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an affirmation that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious, satisfying, and easy. With the humble cauliflower leading the way, you can enjoy all the comforting flavors of chili without the carb load, making it a perfect fit for a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a family, or simply craving a warm and wholesome meal, this beanless chicken chili will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and let cauliflower prove its MVP status to you!