Trick-or-Treat Yourself to This Cozy Crock-Pot Chili, Made By Nashville Nutritionist/Influencer Cara Clark

(NASHVILLE, Tenn) — There’s something about Halloween night that just begs for a cozy dinner in — something hearty and warm while you’re curled up on the couch, maybe with a spooky movie playing and the sound of trick-or-treaters outside. This slow-cooked chili is the ultimate comfort dish for that kind of night. It’s rich, flavorful, and so easy to throw together — just toss everything in the Crock-Pot and let it simmer while you enjoy the fall vibes. Whether you’re snuggled under a blanket or passing out candy at the door, this chili will keep you cozy, full, and perfectly content all Halloween night long.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 cup chopped red onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
1½ lbs ground chicken breast (omit for vegetarian version)
¼ cup chili powder (adjust to taste)
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 cup low-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon salt
2 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Optional toppings:
Toasted pepitas, cashews, chopped green onion, nutritional yeast, or shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
In your Crock-Pot, add avocado oil, red onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeños.

Step 2:
Add ground chicken breast (if using), chili powder, crushed tomatoes, and stock.

Step 3:
Stir in maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and salt.

Step 4:
Add the kidney beans and give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5:
Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 4–5 hours.

Step 6:
Halfway through cooking, use a spoon to break up the chicken and stir everything together again.

Step 7:
Once cooked, season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8:
Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy a cozy night in!

Recipe by Cara Clark

Cara Clark is a Nashville-based influencer, nutritionist, and cookbook author known for her balanced approach to healthy comfort food. Her recipes focus on simple ingredients, nourishing flavors, and realistic wellness — proving that eating well doesn’t mean missing out on the cozy moments that make life sweet.