Imagine cozying up with a bowl that’s rich, smoky, and a little sweet—this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. I promise, it’s not your typical chili, and once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to comfort meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a brownish-red soup that has visible pieces of shredded chicken and kidney beans in it. On top, there are bright yellow shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips, fresh green chopped scallions, and a sliced round green jalapeño pepper. The soup looks thick and hearty with shiny, moist textures. A vintage silver spoon with a detailed handle rests inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered tortilla chips pieces around. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe brings together barbecue flavors and hearty chili in a slow cooker-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy days or weekend relaxing. I love how the chicken stays tender and the beans soak up all the smoky, tangy goodness.

Balanced Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, smoky, and a hint of spice all come together in one pot, making your taste buds dance.
Set-it-and-Forget-it Ease: Slow cooker prep means minimal hands-on time with maximum delicious payoff.
Hearty and Filling: Plenty of beans and chicken make this chili robust enough to satisfy any hunger.
Endless Customization: You can tweak the spices or toppings to suit exactly how you like it.

A close-up of a metal ladle holding a thick, chunky soup with several layers: shredded light brown chicken strips in the top layer, mixed with kidney beans in dark red, pinto beans in light brown, and white beans all surrounded by a rich, reddish-brown broth with visible bits of diced onions. The ladle is raised above a black slow cooker filled with the same soup, the background showing the smooth, glossy liquid surface with some floating ingredients. The overall scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe plays a specific role in building flavor and texture. I always suggest using fresh garlic and a good-quality ketchup to give it that authentic backyard BBQ vibe.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, four peeled garlic cloves, a small diced white onion, a small white bowl filled with bright red ketchup, a small white bowl of rich brown sugar, a small white bowl containing amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with deep brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of vibrant yellow mustard, three small white bowls each holding plump cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans in their cooking liquid, a small white bowl filled with mild diced green chilies, a small white bowl of dark mesquite liquid smoke, small white bowls arranged with reddish chili powder, pale ground cumin, smoky paprika, fine salt, and ground black pepper, a small white bowl with light golden chicken broth mixed with white cornstarch -- all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they absorb the sauce beautifully while providing hearty protein.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown slightly and carries flavors for better depth.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch of warmth and aroma that canned or powdered just can’t match.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture, a chili classic.
Ketchup: Brings sweetness and tang—that signature BBQ base flavor here.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweet notes, balancing savory and smoky elements.
Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through richness with a bright, zesty kick.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tangy complexity.
Yellow mustard: A hint of zip that wakes up the sauce subtly.
Cannellini, kidney, and pinto beans: A medley that brings heartiness and satisfying heft.
Mild diced green chilies: Adds gentle heat and a lovely texture burst.
Mesquite liquid smoke: Your secret weapon for that authentic smoky BBQ flavor without needing a grill.
Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika: These spices layer warmth and earthiness deep into the chili.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Low sodium chicken broth and cornstarch: Keeps the chili saucy and thickened just right.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often crank up the heat with extra chilies or swap in smoked sausage for a meatier twist.

Spicy Upgrade: When I want more heat, I toss in a chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. It wakes the dish up without stealing the thunder from the sweetness.
Vegetarian Version: Use grilled mushrooms or plant-based protein instead of chicken, and double the beans for bulk.
Thicker Chili: If you prefer a heartier stew-like consistency, reduce the chicken broth slightly or cook with the lid off the last 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker or Stovetop: I usually do slow cooker, but the stovetop method is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Base

First, I lightly grease my slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then I rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them right at the bottom. This keeps the meat tender while it simmers in the sauce.

Step 2: Mix and Add All the Flavor Bomb Ingredients

Next, I add all the remaining ingredients on top—the garlic, onion, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, beans, chilies, liquid smoke, and spices. One quick stir and you’re ready to cook. It’s amazing how all these flavors meld together while cooking low and slow.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow, Then Shred

I set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 (keep an eye if your chicken breasts are thin—they might finish faster). Once the chicken is tender, I carefully remove it, shred it on a cutting board, then return it to the slow cooker. Another 20 minutes on low to soak up all that cozy goodness is key.

Step 4: Adjust Texture and Seasoning

If you like your chili a little less chunky, feel free to add extra broth or water now. Don’t forget to taste and tweak with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce before serving—making it truly yours!

Top Tip

From my experience, the magic in this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe really comes from the layering of flavors and slow cooking to tender perfection. Here are a few things that have saved me from common mishaps:

Choose Quality Liquid Smoke: A little goes a long way, so start with less—you can always add more at the end to avoid overpowering the chili.
Don’t Skip the Shred Step: Shredding the chicken after it’s cooked allows the meat to absorb more sauce and distribute better in every bite.
Slow Cooker Timing Matters: Thin chicken breasts can overcook if left too long on high—check them early and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving to balance salt, spice, and tanginess—your personal preference is the best guide.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this chili with shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, and fresh green onions for crunch and freshness. Tortilla chips or crunchy bacon bites add a satisfying texture contrast that makes every spoonful a delight. Cilantro is optional but adds a lovely herbaceous brightness if you like it.

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like cornbread or warm tortillas. For something lighter, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. I often pop some roasted sweet potatoes on the side for a subtly sweet compliment.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chili in mini bread bowls or even as a loaded baked potato topping. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and looks so inviting when garnished with colorful toppings and fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld—it’s perfect for leftovers. I store my leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it lasts up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I often make a double batch and freeze half in portioned containers so I always have a comforting meal ready. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, I do it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the chili thickened up too much. This keeps the sauce silky and helps all the flavors come back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may require a bit longer to become tender.

Where can I find mesquite liquid smoke?

Mesquite liquid smoke is usually found near barbecue sauces and marinades at most grocery stores. A little goes a long way, so a small bottle will last for many recipes.

Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Searing the chicken first, then simmering all ingredients in a large pot for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender works great and speeds up the process.

How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe?

This chili is mildly spicy due to the mild diced green chilies and chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe because it feels like the perfect blend of barbecue flair and classic comfort food. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend gathering, this dish always brings people together around the table—and honestly, it’s just so easy to make. Give it a try and see how the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors come alive in every steaming spoonful. I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!