This Southwest Chicken Chili is a quick weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor. Not only is it delicious, this easy chili is also completely dairy-free and gluten-free. All you need is one-pot and thirty minutes to get this hearty meal on the table. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, which makes it a great meal prep option!

The Most Delicious (and easy!) Southwest Chicken Chili

This healthy southwest chicken chili checks all of the boxes:

  • EASY.
  • DELICIOUS.
  • FLAVORFUL.
  • oh, and did I mention easy?!

This recipe is a flavor packed weeknight dinner stunner that never disappoints. Chili is delicious, but if you are anything like me, you may get tired of eating the same (or similar) beef versions and want to switch things up a bit.

This chicken chili is a great way to incorporate a different kind of protein in a classic dish. It’s delicious, filled with flavor, and comes together on the stove top in around thirty minutes. I know you will love it!

southwest chicken chili ingredients

What’s In Southwest Chicken Chili?

Chicken thighs: boneless skinless chicken thighs are one of my favorite proteins. They stay tender even after simmering for a bit and they add a great flavor to hearty chilies and stews like this one. You could always use boneless skinless chicken breast, if you prefer.

Spices: this chili relies heavily on a blend of spices and seasonings for it’s delicious flavor. Some of the spices include cumin, chili powder, and coriander.

Fire roasted tomatoes: fire-roasted tomatoes have a unique flavor that works really in the chili. If you do not have fire roasted tomatoes, regular canned diced tomatoes are fine.

White beans: I love using cannelini beans as my white bean of choice in this recipe.

Green chilies: another simple but flavorful ingredient.

Broth: chicken broth works well in this recipe but you could also use veggie broth if you like.

Coconut milk: to add some delicious creaminess at the end, this recipe uses light canned coconut milk.

shredded chicken in chili

How to Make

Step One: First, start by heating a large heavy-bottomed pot, like a dutch oven, over medium high heat. While the pot is heating, season the chicken thighs with one teaspoon of salt.

Step Two: Once the pot is hot, drizzle in the avocado oil and then add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the pot. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides for three four minutes until browned.

Step Three: Once the thighs are brown, add in the spices, tomatoes, white beans, green chilies, and broth. Stir everything until it is well combined.

Step Four: Now, all you have to do is allow the chili to simmer on medium low for thirty minutes or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

Step Five: Use two forks to shred the chicken in the pot. Next finish off the chili by adding in the coconut milk. Give everything a stir until the coconut milk is well combined. Now, give the chili a taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Let the chili simmer for another five minutes (just to ensure that everything is heated through) and then serve with your favorite toppings.

chicken chili in large pot with ladle

My Favorite Topping and Serving Ideas

For me, one of the best parts of a chili like this one is the toppings! There are so many great options and ways for you to customize your bowl to make it your own. Here are a few of my favorite topping ideas to finish off your chicken chili.

  • Lime juice
  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Diced red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Green onion

Can You Make This Recipe in the Crockpot or Slow Cooker?

Yes! This chili is a great candidate for the slow cooker. Here is how I would adapt this recipe for the slow cooker:

Step One: Add all of the ingredients, except the coconut milk to the base of your slow cooker.

Step Two: Cover and cook the chili on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6. The exact time may vary depending on your slow cooker. The most important thing you want to look for is that the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded.

Step Three: Once the chicken is tender, turn the slow cooker setting to low if it is not there already. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step Four: Next, add in the coconut milk and give everything a stir until well combined. Let the chili stay in the slow cooker for another 10 minutes (just to ensure that everything is heated through) before serving.

Tips and Tricks

  • If you prefer, you can use boneless skinless chicken breast in this recipe instead of chicken thighs.
  • Feel free to add extra veggies to this chili if you like. Some great options would bell peppers or stirring in a few handfuls of baby spinach at the end.
  • If you like things a bit more on the spicier side, you can amp up the spice by adding more red pepper flakes or by using hot diced green chilies.
  • Need a vegetarian version of this chili? You can leave out the chicken entirely and add a few extra cans of white and black beans to keep the chili nice and hearty.

Storage Instructions

For the best results, store this soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

southwest chicken chili in a white bowl

More Delicious Chili and Hearty Soup Recipes

Pumpkin Chili 

Healthy Slow Cooker Chili

Healthy White Chicken Chili 

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili 

Healthy White Bean Turkey Chili

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Salsa Verde Chicken Soup

hope you give this Southwest Chicken Chili a try! This makes a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love!

If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.

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southwest chicken chili in a white bowl

Healthy Southwest Chicken Chili

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Ashlea Carver
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Southwest Chicken Chili is and quick weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor. Not only is it delicious, this easy chili is also completely dairy-free and gluten-free. All you need is one-pot and thirty minutes to get this hearty meal on the table. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, which makes it a great meal prep option!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 tablespoon avocado, coconut, or olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more if you like more heat or you can leave it out if you don’t like spice)
  • 114.5oz can diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • 116oz can white/cannellini beans
  • 14oz can green chilis
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 113.5oz can light coconut milk
  • Toppings: lime juice, tortilla chips, cilantro, red onion, cheddar

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium high heat. While the pot is heating, season the chicken thighs with one tsp of salt.
  2. When pot is hot, add the oil and then add the chicken thighs. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown.
  3. Once the thighs are brown, add in all of the remaining ingredients, EXCEPT the coconut milk and stir to combine.
  4. Simmer on medium low for 30-45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  5. Once the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it in the pot. Then, add in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Give it a taste and a little more salt if needed.
  6. Let simmer for 5 more minutes and then serve with your favorite toppings!

Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Casey Colodny / THE MINDFUL HAPA

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41 Comments

  1. Christine T says:

    This recipe is so easy and SO GOOD. For how quickly it came together and how few ingredients it calls for, I was shocked at by how much flavor the chili has! We will be adding this recipe to our regular rotation.






  2. Carie Heller says:

    This is so good! It’s really easy to make and SO tasty! It’s on my regular rotation!






    1. Ashlea Carver says:

      I’m so glad you loved it Carie!

  3. We’ve made this recipe three times in the crockpot and it is 100% easy and delicious. I added corn and the chicken thighs are so tender. Great for weekday lunches—the flavor develops more with each meal!






    1. Hi! How long do you cook in the slow cooker? Are there any considerations for making in the crock pot? Thank you!

      1. Ashlea Carver says:

        Hi, Sally! I cover crockpot instructions in the post!

  4. Sarah Bingham says:

    Hi!! I’m making this tomorrow, but thinking of doubling it. Do you know if this freezes well?

    1. Ashlea Carver says:

      Hi, Sarah – yes, I think this recipe would freeze well.

  5. Another ATHT winner!! It was actually chill all day yesterday, which obviously called for a chili night. This was so delish, filling, and simple. I added an extra can of beans to beef it up a bit, and topped it with plenty of lime juice. Had it for lunch today and it was even better. Thanks Ashlea!






  6. Audrey Galey says:

    Looks so good & can’t wait to try! What would be a good sub for the coconut milk? We aren’t a big fan of coconut milk 🙂

    1. Ashlea Carver says:

      Hi, Audrey! you can’t taste the coconut milk at all in this recipe but the best substitute would likely be whole milk.