The magic of Christmas Eve is in the air. The lights are twinkling, carols might be playing softly, and there’s a special kind of excitement buzzing around. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen, right? You want to be part of the memories, not just the meal prep.
That is where this recipe comes in. It is one of my favorite Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas because it is incredibly simple and oh so comforting. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly winter night. Let’s make a meal that everyone will love, without all the stress.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is one of those fantastic Christmas Eve Recipes that feels special without requiring a ton of work. It is a true set it and forget it meal. You spend a few minutes in the morning getting everything into the slow cooker, and then you are free for the rest of the day.
The aroma that fills your house while it cooks is just wonderful. It adds to the festive atmosphere. It is a cozy, welcoming scent that says something good is happening here. This makes it one of the best Christmas Meal Ideas Dinner options around.
Plus, it’s a total crowd pleaser. Everyone loves chili, and the topping bar idea makes it interactive and fun. Kids and adults alike can customize their bowls exactly how they like them. It is one of those Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas Simple enough for any skill level.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this dish are straightforward and easy to find at any grocery store. No fancy items needed, which is a big win during the busy holiday season. It is all about simple, wholesome ingredients coming together.
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato puree (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed with a garlic press
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
And now for the fun part, the toppings! You can set these out in little bowls for a festive and customizable dinner experience. Here are a few ideas to get you started on one of the most fun Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
- Diced green onions
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious holiday meal. It is truly one of the most forgiving Christmas Eve Recipes you can make. Let us get started.
Step 1: Prep The Base
First things first, get your slow cooker liner ready. If you are using chicken breasts, just cut them into two or three large pieces. Then, gently place the chicken into the slow cooker on top of your diced onion and celery. Think of it as creating a nice little bed for the chicken to cook on.
Step 2: Add The Flavor
Now it is time to add all that wonderful flavor. Pour in the tomato puree and chicken broth. Then add the minced garlic and all your spices: the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it all together and make sure the chicken is coated.
A quick but important note here. Hold off on adding the beans, corn, and vinegar for now. They will go in at the very end to keep them from getting too soft. This is a key part of making this one of the best Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
Step 3: Cook Low And Slow
Put the lid on your slow cooker and let it do all the work. You can cook it on high for 2 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 8 hours. The low setting is my personal favorite. It really lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Do not worry if it cooks a little longer. This recipe is very flexible.
Step 4: Shred The Chicken
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, it is time to shred it. You can do this right in the slow cooker using two forks. It should pull apart very easily. If you find that easier, you can also take the chicken out, shred it in a bowl, and then return it to the slow cooker.
This is also a great time to taste the chili. See if it needs any more salt, pepper, or maybe a little more chili powder. Adjust it to your family’s liking. This customizable nature is what makes it a go to Christmas Meal Ideas Dinner.
Step 5: Add The Final Touches
Now it is time for those ingredients you set aside. Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, the frozen corn, and the cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness of the chili. It is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Put the lid back on and let it cook for another 15 to 30 minutes. You just want everything to warm through. You will know it is ready when you see it start to bubble again. This is one of the most simple yet delicious Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
And that is it! Your festive and effortless meal is ready. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and let everyone go to town with their favorite toppings. It is a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxed and cozy Christmas Eve with your loved ones.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any chili left over, you are in luck. It tastes even better the next day. Let the chili cool down completely before you store it. This is important for food safety.
You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It makes for a fantastic and quick lunch on a busy day after the holiday. This is one of the most practical Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas Simple enough for any schedule.
This chili also freezes beautifully. Just put it in a freezer safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to three months. It is a wonderful meal to have on hand for a future busy weeknight. Another reason to love these Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few little tips I have picked up over the years. These simple tricks can add a little something extra to your meal.
First, feel free to play with the spices. If your family likes a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce. If you like a smokier flavor, a little smoked paprika is a wonderful addition. This is one of those Christmas Eve Recipes that is easy to adapt.
You can also add other vegetables. Diced bell peppers or zucchini would be a great addition. Just add them in at the beginning with the onion and celery. It is a good way to sneak in some extra veggies.
For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking. Just let it melt into the chili. It adds a nice richness that is very satisfying. This small touch enhances many Christmas Meal Ideas Dinner.
Finally, do not skip the toppings. They really make the dish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before serving also adds a wonderful, bright flavor that complements the spices. These are the details that make Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas feel special.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A warm, comforting, and incredibly simple meal that is perfect for your holiday celebration. It checks all the boxes for the best Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas. It is delicious, easy to make, and allows you to spend more time with the people who matter most.
I truly hope this recipe brings a little extra warmth and joy to your holiday. From my kitchen to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, and of course, good food. Enjoy these simple Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you absolutely can. The instructions mention this option. Chicken thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay juicier, but chicken breasts work well too. Just cut them into 2 or 3 large pieces before cooking.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Of course. To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add an extra can of beans, like pinto or kidney beans, to make it heartier. It is a versatile base for many Easy Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas.
Is This Recipe Freezer Friendly?
Yes, it is very freezer friendly. Let the chili cool completely, then store it in a freezer safe container for up to three months. It is a great make ahead option, which is always a bonus for holiday Christmas Eve Recipes.
What Should I Serve With This Chili?
This chili is wonderful on its own, but it is also great with a side of warm cornbread, tortilla chips for dipping, or served over a bed of rice. A simple green salad would also be a nice, fresh accompaniment.
Easy Christmas Eve Slow Cooker Chili
This easy-to-make slow cooker chicken chili is the perfect comforting meal for a festive Christmas Eve. Prepare it in the morning and let it simmer all day for a warm, delicious dinner everyone will love.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs, diced yellow onion, and diced celery into the slow cooker.
- Add tomato puree, chicken broth, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine and coat the chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks, or remove, shred, and return. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Stir in drained black beans, frozen corn, and cider vinegar.
- Replace lid and cook for another 15-30 minutes, until heated through and bubbling.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like green onions, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.
Notes
Feel free to play with the spices. If your family likes a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce. If you like a smokier flavor, a little smoked paprika is a wonderful addition.
You can also add other vegetables. Diced bell peppers or zucchini would be a great addition. Just add them in at the beginning with the onion and celery.
For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little bit of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking. Just let it melt into the chili.
Finally, don’t skip the toppings. They really make the dish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before serving also adds a wonderful, bright flavor that complements the spices.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
