Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Farro Chili

Embrace Winter Warmth: The Ultimate Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili Recipe

This winter, transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth with our incredibly hearty and healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili. Brimming with wholesome vegetables, lean protein, nutritious whole grains like farro, and the rich flavor of Bush’s Chili Beans, this recipe is designed to nourish your body and soul. This post is proudly sponsored and created in partnership with Bush’s Beans, bringing you premium quality ingredients for your culinary adventures.

Click here to pin this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili recipe for later!

Warm up this winter with Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili - so hearty & healthy, filled with veggies, lean protein, whole grains and Bush's Chili Beans. Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

My culinary journey with farro continues to deepen, and I’m excited to share my latest obsession with you. For a while, this ancient grain has been a staple in my salads, lending a delightful chewiness and nutritional boost. More recently, I’ve discovered its incredible potential in warm dishes, making it a fantastic addition to various soups and, most notably, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili. Farro’s robust texture holds up beautifully during slow cooking, infusing the entire dish with a satisfying heartiness that distinguishes it from other chilis. While this recipe features succulent chicken breast, its versatility truly shines, allowing for an equally delicious vegetarian version by simply increasing the bean content and opting for a rich vegetable broth. Whether you’re a meat-lover or prefer plant-based meals, this chili adapts perfectly to your dietary needs and preferences.

As much of the country braces for the biting cold and swirling snow that dominates news feeds and social media, a craving for soul-warming meals becomes almost instinctual. There’s truly nothing quite like the magic of a slow cooker, diligently working its wonders all day long, especially when loaded with convenient pantry staples like Bush’s Chili Beans. The beauty of slow cooking lies in its simplicity: a few minutes of prep in the morning, and you return home to a perfectly cooked, fragrant meal. Even here in sunny Florida, where “soup weather” might not be the prevailing norm, I find myself drawn to the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of soup or chili, a year-round tradition I wholeheartedly embrace. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, no matter the temperature outside.

Warm up this winter with Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili - so hearty & healthy, filled with veggies, lean protein, whole grains and Bush's Chili Beans. Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

For this particular slow cooker chicken and farro chili recipe, I’ve carefully selected a flavorful combination of Bush’s Kidney Chili Beans and White Chili Beans. This choice isn’t just about variety; it’s about harnessing the incredible depth of flavor these beans bring, thanks to their perfectly seasoned sauces. They eliminate the need for extra spices, making your cooking process even simpler while ensuring a rich, complex taste. Complementing these beans is a generous medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic ingredients, creating a chili that is not only packed with flavor but also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It’s a truly satisfying dish, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate having such a wholesome and delicious meal on hand to balance out all the indulgent holiday treats that inevitably make their appearance this time of year. This chili offers a guilt-free indulgence, a comforting anchor amidst the festive feasts.

Warm up this winter with Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili - so hearty & healthy, filled with veggies, lean protein, whole grains and Bush's Chili Beans. Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

Unlock the Secret to Perfectly Tender Chicken in Your Chili or Soup: Over the years, I’ve perfected a method for preparing chicken in soups and chilis that guarantees the most tender, flavorful results every single time. Here’s my essential tip: instead of dicing or shredding your chicken breast beforehand, cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts whole directly in your slow cooker along with the other ingredients. This allows the chicken to slowly absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth and spices as it cooks to perfection. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and fork-tender, carefully remove the whole breasts and place them on a clean cutting board. At this point, you can easily chop them into medium-sized pieces or shred them with two forks, depending on your preferred texture for the chili. Return the chopped or shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it gently into the rich broth. This technique not only keeps the chicken incredibly moist and prevents it from drying out, but it also ensures it integrates seamlessly into the chili’s texture. I’ve relied on this method for years, and it truly is the only way I prepare chicken for my slow cooker meals. As a bonus tip for those busy days, I’ve even added frozen chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker – just remember to slightly reduce the overall liquid in the recipe, as frozen chicken tends to release more moisture during cooking.

Warm up this winter with Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili - so hearty & healthy, filled with veggies, lean protein, whole grains and Bush's Chili Beans. Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

Can you believe we’re just a little over a week away from Christmas? The holiday season truly does fly by, and I must confess, I’m almost never fully prepared (a sentiment I suspect many of you share!). This upcoming weekend presents the perfect opportunity to hit the pause button, truly unplug from the daily hustle, and dive wholeheartedly into those last-minute shopping list items. Beyond the errands, I’m most looking forward to taking some time to simply enjoy the festive glow of Christmas lights twinkling throughout the neighborhood – it’s genuinely my favorite part of the season, evoking a sense of childlike wonder and peace. And perhaps, to truly get into the spirit, a little glass of spiked eggnog might just be in order! This chili, simmering gently in the slow cooker, offers the perfect backdrop for these cozy holiday preparations, providing a comforting meal that requires minimal fuss, leaving you more time for what truly matters during this magical time of year.

Warm up this winter with Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili - so hearty & healthy, filled with veggies, lean protein, whole grains and Bush's Chili Beans. Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

I sincerely hope you are savoring every moment of this beautiful season, finding joy in the small things and creating lasting memories with loved ones. May your weekend be filled with warmth, delicious food, and perhaps a touch of holiday magic! This Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili is the perfect companion for a cozy weekend at home, offering both convenience and incredible flavor.

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili: Hearty & Healthy Comfort

Yield: serves 6-8 generously

img 13580 6

Ingredients for Your Wholesome Chili:

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped small
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped small
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can Bush’s White Chili Beans, undrained (for a milder, creamy texture)
  • 1 (15 oz) can Bush’s Kidney Chili Beans, undrained (for classic chili flavor and texture)
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked farro (pearl or semi-pearled, rinsed)
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, whole
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper, smoky note)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Simple Steps to Your Delicious Slow Cooker Chili:

  1. Begin by combining all the specified ingredients—chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, Bush’s White Chili Beans, Bush’s Kidney Chili Beans, chicken broth, uncooked farro, whole chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper—into the basin of your slow cooker. Stir everything gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Cover your slow cooker and cook on the HIGH setting for 4-5 hours. Alternatively, if you prefer to cook it over a longer period, you can set it to LOW for 7-8 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked through and incredibly tender, and the farro to be perfectly al dente.
  3. Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is tender, carefully remove the whole chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into medium-sized pieces, or chop it with a knife—whichever method you prefer for your chili. Return the shredded or chopped chicken back into the slow cooker.
  4. Stir the chicken back into the chili mixture. For the final 30 minutes of cooking, leave the slow cooker uncovered. This allows the chili to thicken slightly and ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully.
  5. Serve your hot and hearty chili immediately. Garnish with your favorite chili fixings such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy this satisfying meal!





Follow AggiesKitchen on Instagram and tag us to show off the delicious recipes you’re making from the blog! Use the hashtag #aggieskitchen – I’d absolutely love to see your culinary creations and share in your kitchen adventures!

Disclosure: I am honored to have been a paid brand ambassador for Bush’s Beans for over five years, and it brings me great pleasure to consistently share innovative and delicious recipes utilizing their exceptional products. Your continued support for the brands that partner with Aggie’s Kitchen helps keep this blog thriving and allows me to create more content for you. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

Explore More Irresistible Chili Recipes:

Craving more chili perfection? Here are a few other fantastic recipes to inspire your next cozy meal:

  • Chipotle Chicken Chili: A zesty and smoky twist on classic chicken chili, perfect for those who love a hint of spice and depth in their comfort food.
  • Slow Cooker Lentil and Quinoa Chili: A remarkably hearty and plant-based option, this chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it an incredibly satisfying vegetarian meal.
  • Simple Smoked Sausage Chili | Dine and Dish: For a robust and savory flavor, this chili incorporates the rich taste of smoked sausage for an easy yet impressive dish.
  • 5 Ingredient Beef Chili | Reluctant Entertainer: Incredibly simple yet bursting with flavor, this minimalist beef chili proves that delicious meals don’t require a long list of ingredients.