There's something incredibly comforting about a big pot of chili bubbling away, and this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe brings a smoky, tangy twist that really hits the spot. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and invites everyone to gather around for seconds.

A close-up view of a soup in a white bowl showing a rich broth filled with shredded chicken and mixed red and light brown beans as the base layer. On top, there is a generous layer of shredded yellow cheese with a dollop of white sour cream slightly covered by the cheese. Over this, fresh sliced green onions and chopped green herbs are scattered, along with a bright green jalapeño slice placed near the center. Crushed yellow tortilla chips add texture on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a rustic spoon with a worn handle is partly inside the soup. 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 is one of those dishes that surprises everyone with its bold layer of flavors and ease of preparation. I get excited every time I whip it up because it’s both unique and comforting, perfect for busy days or cozy nights in.

Smoky & Sweet Flavor Profile: The mesquite liquid smoke combined with brown sugar and ketchup gives this chili a delicious balance you won’t find in your typical chili.
Simple Slow Cooker Method: Toss everything in the pot, and you’re hands-off for hours—ideal for busy schedules or meal prep.
Versatile & Customizable: Use different beans, adjust spice levels, or switch up toppings—the recipe adapts easily to your taste.
Great Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or make-ahead meals.

A large ladle holds a close-up scoop of thick stew, showing a rich orange-red broth base mixed with visible textures of shredded light brown chicken, reddish kidney beans, orange pinto beans, and small chopped pieces of yellowish onion; the ladle is inside a dark pot filled with more of the same stew. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe plays an important role in building that bold, smoky, slightly sweet flavor that makes it so memorable. When shopping, look for quality chicken breasts and don’t skip the liquid smoke; even a small amount transforms the dish.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small peeled and diced white onion, a small white bowl filled with thick red ketchup, a small white bowl holding light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl of smooth yellow mustard, three small white bowls each containing fresh rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans respectively, a small white bowl with finely diced fresh green chilies, a small white bowl of dark mesquite liquid smoke, three small white bowls with chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika powders, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a small white bowl showing low sodium chicken broth mixed with cornstarch, all ingredients spaced symmetrically and balanced, placed 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: The lean protein base that shreds easily and soaks up all the chili spices and BBQ flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken brown nicely and adds richness without overpowering flavors.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch and enhances the depth of flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and texture that balances the heat and smoky notes.
Ketchup: Provides sweetness and tang, working as a subtle BBQ sauce base.
Brown sugar: Rounds out acidity and gives the chili a caramelized smoky essence.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and a little zing to balance the sweetness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that enhances the meaty, smoky flavors.
Yellow mustard: A touch of heat and tang boosts the BBQ-style backbone.
Cannellini, kidney, pinto beans: A hearty mix that adds texture, fiber, and balances the protein.
Diced green chilies: Mild heat and a fresh peppery punch without overwhelming the dish.
Mesquite liquid smoke: The star ingredient for that authentic smoky BBQ flavor—use sparingly!
Chili powder: Classic chili warmth that ties all the flavors together.
Ground cumin & smoked paprika: Earthy and smoky spices that layer complexity into the chili.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Chicken broth & cornstarch mixture: Thickens the chili and keeps it saucy without being watery.

📝

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

I love to experiment with this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe by switching up the beans or throwing in some extra spice for a kick. You can easily make it your own by adjusting the heat level or adding your favorite garnishes.

Variation: One time I swapped out the pinto beans for black beans and added a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for extra smoky heat — absolutely divine!
Dietary Mod: For a lower-carb option, skip the beans and add extra tomatoes and bell peppers instead.
Seasonal Twist: In the summer, I like adding fresh corn kernels to brighten the flavors.

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

Step 1: Prep your slow cooker and chicken

Start by lightly greasing your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Then, rub your chicken breasts with olive oil before placing them at the bottom of the pot. This little step helps keep the chicken juicy and gives it a nice base for the flavors to soak in.

Step 2: Add your flavor-packed ingredients

Add the minced garlic, diced onions, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, beans, diced green chilies, liquid smoke, and all the spices right on top. Then, pour in the chicken broth mixed with cornstarch. I give everything a gentle stir to combine, but I leave the chicken mostly at the bottom so it can cook evenly.

Step 3: Slow cook low and slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. If you're short on time, the high setting for 3-4 hours works too, but keep an eye on it—the chicken might cook quicker and you don’t want it drying out. The goal is tender, shreddable chicken that’s soaked in smoky BBQ chili goodness.

Step 4: Shred the chicken and finish cooking

Once the chicken is tender, scoop it out carefully and shred it using two forks right on your cutting board. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Then let it cook on low for another 20 minutes to marry the flavors fully.

Step 5: Taste and tweak

At this stage, taste your chili. If it feels too thick, add a splash of water or more broth. Adjust the salt, pepper, or add hot sauce if you like it spicy. This is your moment to customize the chili perfectly for your palate.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few simple tips that make a huge difference in turning this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe into a standout meal. The smoky, well-balanced flavor really depends on getting these right.

Don’t skip the liquid smoke: It adds authentic smoky flavor that mimics BBQ without having to fire up a smoker.
Low and slow for tenderness: Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to stay juicy and absorb all those wonderful spices.
Shred chicken vs. chopping: Shredding helps the chicken meld better with the beans and sauce, giving a more rustic texture.
Adjust thickness thoughtfully: If too thick, add broth in small amounts so you don’t water down the deep flavors.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite way to serve BBQ Chicken Chili is with a dollop of cooling sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, and plenty of crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos. Fresh chopped green onions and cilantro add a nice bright pop that balances the deep smoky flavors, and for the ultimate indulgence, crispy bacon bits on top are unbeatable.

Side Dishes

I usually pair this chili with a simple green salad or cornbread for soaking up every last bit. Sometimes I like a scoop of coleslaw on the side to add freshness and crunch—it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties or game nights, I serve this chili in mini bread bowls or alongside loaded nachos piled high with chili, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream. It’s a sure way to impress your guests and make the meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always make this chili a day ahead whenever I can because those flavors get deeper and richer overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll keep perfectly for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This BBQ Chicken Chili freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will last up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of broth helps restore the saucy texture if it’s thickened in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe in a pot on the stove?

Absolutely! Heat oil in a large Dutch oven, sear the chicken, add the other ingredients, and simmer gently until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken and simmer a bit longer for perfect flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke adds an authentic BBQ essence; if you don’t have it, a small amount of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder can add some smokiness, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Is this chili spicy?

This BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe is flavorful with mild heat, thanks to the green chilies and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or hot sauce if you like it hotter.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed since thighs can cook faster or slower depending on size.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Chili Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor that really stands out from typical chili recipes. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—whether it’s for a family dinner, a weekend get-together, or leftovers to savor the next day. Give it a try and get ready for that warm, smoky hug in a bowl!