My favorite is white chicken chili. It's pretty hard to mess up. I'm not a great cook either, but everyone seems to love this chili.
My recipe, such that it is:
In the morning, put 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot, put in about 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, and salt/pepper to taste. Add about 2 cups of water, and cook on low (I generally put it on before leaving for work, so it cooks about 8 hours, but I've had DH put it in at noon so it cooks for 4-5 hours and it's still fine, maybe just a little less fall-aparty).
When chicken is done, skim the fat off the top of the crockpot water, and shred the chicken.
In a skillet, saute a tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 a small onion (diced), and a can of green chilies in olive oil. When tender, add to the crockpot.
I use canned beans because they're just easier. I get one of the big jars of great northern beans, and add it to the crockpot.
Another teaspoon of cumin, a teaspoon of pepper (I use white but black works too), a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper gets dumped in at this point. Also, add enough water or chicken broth until the chili is your desired thickness.
Stir well, let simmer for another 45 mins to an hour, and serve with mozzarella cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
And now I want chicken chili for dinner.
