Slow cooker peach chipotle has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight meal that’s both comforting and exciting. I remember the first time I tried this combination – the sweet, slightly tangy peaches melting into the smoky, rich chipotle heat was pure magic. It’s honestly the easiest slow cooker peach chipotle I’ve ever made, and the aroma filling my kitchen always makes my family rush to the table. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings and is one of my favorite slow cooker peach chipotle dinner ideas. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
This chili is a flavor explosion and so simple to make:
- Incredible Taste: The sweet peaches and smoky chipotle create a perfect sweet and spicy balance that’s totally addictive.
- Minimal Prep Time: You can have everything prepped and in the slow cooker in just 15 minutes.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and veggies, it’s a nutritious meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the sweet and savory combination.
- Versatile Protein: If you’re looking for a peach chipotle slow cooker chicken option, this recipe works beautifully with chicken thighs too.
- Effortless Cooking: It truly is a fantastic peach chipotle crock pot recipe for busy days.
- Warm Comfort: Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
This slow cooker peach chipotle chili is packed with flavor, and here’s what you’ll need to make it shine. The combination of sweet peaches and smoky chipotle peppers creates a unique taste profile, making it a standout dish, almost like a slow cooker pork with peach chipotle sauce but in chili form! You’ll find that these ingredients come together beautifully for an authentic slow cooker peach chipotle experience.
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced – ripe but firm peaches work best for texture
- 1 lb ground turkey (or beef) – lean ground turkey keeps it lighter, but beef adds richness
- 1 onion, finely chopped – about 1 cup, for a savory base
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – essential for depth of flavor
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – adds a fresh crunch and mild sweetness
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – for fiber and protein
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – adds heartiness and another layer of texture
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – the base of our chili
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth – to ensure a good consistency
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – concentrates the tomato flavor
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced – this is where the smoky heat comes from!
- 1 tbsp ground cumin – adds an earthy, warm note
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – enhances the smoky flavor
- 1 tsp oregano – a classic chili herb
- Salt and pepper, to taste – to enhance all the other flavors
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish – for a burst of freshness
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional) – for a cooling contrast to the spice
How to Make Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
Learning how to make slow cooker peach chipotle is a game-changer for busy cooks. It’s surprisingly simple and the results are incredibly rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is just divine!
- Step 1: Start by browning your protein. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey (or beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the cooked meat to your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Now, let’s build some flavor in that same skillet. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the 1 onion, finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves, minced, and 1 green bell pepper, diced. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften and become fragrant. Transfer this aromatic mixture into the slow cooker with the meat.
- Step 3: Time to add the stars of the show! Gently add the 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed to the slow cooker. Pour in the 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, and 2 tbsp tomato paste.
- Step 4: Now for the magic spices! Stir in the 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust this to your spice preference!), 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp oregano. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Give everything a really good stir to make sure all those wonderful ingredients are well combined. This is when you start to imagine the delightful chili you’ll soon enjoy; it’s a fantastic way to cook slow cooker chicken chipotle peach.
- Step 5: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can cook this on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks on low, the more the flavors meld together, creating a truly rich and delicious dish.
- Step 6: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, give the chili a good stir. Taste it and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even another pinch of chipotle for extra kick.
- Step 7: Ladle this incredible slow cooker peach chipotle chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like. Serve it with some crusty bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
These little tricks will make your chili absolutely amazing:
- Use ripe but slightly firm peaches for the best texture; overly ripe peaches can become too mushy.
- Don’t skip browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables; this step builds a crucial flavor foundation.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The sweetness of the peaches and the heat of the chipotle need to be balanced perfectly.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder along with the spices – it adds depth without making it taste like chocolate.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili?
The real magic lies in the balance of sweet and heat. Achieving that perfect sweet and spicy slow cooker peach chipotle flavor comes from using just the right amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ripe peaches. It’s this contrast that makes it so irresistible.
Can I make Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prep all the ingredients, chop the veggies and fruit, and even brown the meat the night before. Store everything in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. In the morning, just combine them in the slow cooker. This makes for even easier assembly!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili?
A common pitfall is using peaches that are too ripe, which can lead to a mushy texture. Another mistake is not browning the meat or sautéing the aromatics first, which sacrifices depth of flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure the perfect balance.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
This versatile chili is fantastic served in so many ways! For a hearty meal, ladle it over fluffy rice or serve it alongside warm cornbread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a fun twist, consider using this flavorful mixture as a filling for tacos or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a truly unique experience, you can even adapt the concept to create a slow cooker peach chipotle pulled pork by using pork shoulder instead of ground meat. And don’t forget a drizzle of that irresistible peach chipotle glaze slow cooker sauce on top for an extra pop of flavor!
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
This delicious chili is surprisingly good for you! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
Leftovers of this easy slow cooker peach chipotle are a gift that keeps on giving! Once your chili has cooled down slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, the freezer is your best friend. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing and freezing.
To reheat, you have a couple of great options. You can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Both methods work wonderfully, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious chili again with minimal fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili
What is peach chipotle slow cooker?
A peach chipotle slow cooker dish, like this chili, is a meal where the sweet, fruity notes of peaches are combined with the smoky, spicy kick of chipotle peppers, all cooked conveniently in a slow cooker. It’s a unique flavor profile that balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements perfectly.
What is the best slow cooker peach chipotle?
The best slow cooker peach chipotle is subjective, but generally, it’s one that achieves a beautiful harmony between the sweet peaches and the smoky chipotle heat, with tender meat and well-cooked beans. This recipe aims for that perfect balance, ensuring a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Can I use frozen peaches in this slow cooker peach chipotle recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen peaches! If you use frozen peaches, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the slow cooker. They will cook down and release their juices along with the other ingredients, contributing to the delicious sauce.
How do I adjust the spice level for my slow cooker peach chipotle chili?
To adjust the spice level, you’ll want to control the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. For a milder chili, start with just 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. For a spicier kick, you can increase it to 3 tablespoons or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the chipotles.
Variations of Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili You Can Try
Once you master this basic slow cooker peach chipotle recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few delicious variations to explore.
- Crock Pot Peach Chipotle Chicken: Swap the ground turkey for 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place the thighs in the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
- Spicy Peach Chipotle Slow Cooker Pork: For a heartier, richer flavor, use 2 lbs of pork shoulder (boston butt), trimmed of excess fat. Brown the pork shoulder before adding it to the slow cooker. This variation offers a wonderfully tender and flavorful result.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the meat entirely and add an extra can of beans (like pinto or cannellini) and 8 oz of chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Smoky Sweet Potato Twist: Add 1-2 cups of diced sweet potatoes along with the other vegetables for an extra layer of sweetness and earthy flavor.
Flavorful Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Magic
This Slow Cooker Peach Chipotle Chili recipe offers a delightful fusion of sweet peaches and smoky chipotle peppers, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like lean protein, beans, and vibrant vegetables, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1 lb ground turkey (or beef)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey (or beef) in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add these to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced peaches, black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, minced chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld together and the chili is heated through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir the chili and taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spice to your preference.
- Ladle the peach chipotle chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired, and crusty bread or rice on the side.
Notes
- For a heartier option, use ground beef instead of ground turkey.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to control the spice level.
- Optional toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or chopped green onions can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
