Easy Chicken Chili Mac Slow Cooker

Have you ever had one of those chilly evenings when nothing sounds better than a hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac, a warm meal you can curl up with?

That’s exactly how my love for Chicken Chili Mac began. There’s something about this Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Mac that brings me right back to cozy nights with family, everyone wrapped up in blankets, waiting eagerly for the slow cooker to do its magic.

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal: comforting, filling, and easy to prepare. It’s one of those one-pot meals that keeps everyone at the table happy and leaves you with minimal cleanup.

Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chili Mac slow cooker

This Chicken Chili Mac slow cooker recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes for busy nights. Not only does it combine tender shredded chicken, savory spices, and gooey cheese, but it also has that perfect balance of warmth and richness that just hits the spot.

The best part? You can throw everything into the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks up perfectly.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like this that brings everyone around the table, no matter how hectic the day has been. Plus, this chili mac casserole is so versatile.

You can adjust the spice level, add extra veggies, or top it with your favorite cheese. It’s one of those easy weeknight dinners that takes all the stress out of cooking, yet still feels like a little treat for everyone.

I can’t get enough of this no fuss, Easy Chicken Chili Mac Slow Cooker!! Our Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast will absolutely make you wish you didn’t miss it.

Ingredients Notes

This Chicken Chili Mac recipe is pretty flexible, so feel free to adjust as needed! Here’s what you’ll need for a hearty, satisfying meal:

• Chicken breasts – I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook down beautifully in the slow cooker. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies – These add a little heat and depth to the chili mac. If you want it milder, regular diced tomatoes work just fine.
• Black beans and kidney beans – Canned beans make this super easy, but feel free to swap with pinto beans or any beans you love.
• Chicken broth – Adds flavor and keeps everything moist. You can also use vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand.
• Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder – These spices bring all the flavors together. If you enjoy a smoky kick, a dash of smoked paprika is a nice addition.
• Elbow macaroni – I love how classic elbow macaroni feels in this recipe, but any small pasta will work.
• Cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully, creating a creamy finish. You can mix in Monterey Jack or even a Mexican blend for extra cheesiness.
• Salt and pepper – Simple but essential for balancing all the flavors.

Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, and even some jalapeños if you like a bit more spice! This dish is so versatile, so have fun making it your own.

How to Make This Chicken Chili Mac slow cooker

Making this Chicken Chili Mac slow cooker recipe is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to bring it all together for a comforting, delicious meal:

1. Add the chicken and ingredients – Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, both cans of beans (drained and rinsed), and the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
2. Slow cook – Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
3. Shred the chicken – After cooking, carefully remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. This way, the flavors really mix in with the meat.
4. Add the pasta – About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Keep the slow cooker on low and let the pasta cook until it’s tender. Be sure to check around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
5. Finish with cheese – Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt, creating a gooey, creamy finish.

Serve warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous.

Can’t wait to try this recipe? Grab the full printable version just below to keep it handy!

Some Essential Tips

For a truly flavorful Chicken Chili Mac, consider adding a splash of extra broth if it looks too thick while cooking.

This keeps everything creamy without drying out. If you love a bit of spice, a pinch of smoked paprika or some chopped jalapeños can really bring warmth to the dish.

Also, be mindful of the pasta—add it only in the last 20-30 minutes. Cooking it too long can make it mushy.

And finally, freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts smoother, making the final dish irresistibly creamy and delicious!

Print

Can I make Chicken Chili Mac slow cooker spicier?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding extra chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños.

You can also serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can add their preferred spice level. This way, your Chicken Chili Mac can be tailored perfectly to suit all tastes!