Chicken Chili – This simple yet flavorful dish is versatile, easy to customize, and packed with bold, comforting flavors is perfect for a hungry crowd on game day, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a wholesome meal.
What is Chicken Chili?
Chicken Chili is a delightful variation of classic chili that swaps out beef for juicy pieces of chicken, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying dish. It’s usually made with a combination of beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, and a blend of spices like chili powder and cumin, giving it a rich, savory flavor. Unlike traditional beef chili, Chicken Chili can be easily adapted to be creamy, smoky, or loaded with extra vegetables, making it a perfect option for health-conscious eaters or anyone looking to switch up their chili game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Protein-Packed: Chicken is a lean protein source, making this a nutritious alternative to beef chili.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatile: Adjust the heat, texture, and ingredients to suit your taste buds.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and save some for later!
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make a mouth-watering pot of Chicken Chili:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans are great options. Feel free to mix and match.
- Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted or diced tomatoes to add depth. Crushed tomatoes also work if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and helps thin out the chili. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
- Spices & Aromatics: Essential seasonings include chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion. For extra heat, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Ingredient Tips:
- Substitutions: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or swap beans for extra veggies if you prefer a low-carb option.
- Secret Ingredients: Add a pinch of cocoa powder for depth or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Chili
- Thicken Your Chili: For a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered or mash some of the beans.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of lime juice, a dash of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of sour cream to enhance flavors.
- Balance the Heat: If it’s too spicy, add a dollop of yogurt or a bit of sugar to balance the heat.
Variations to Try
- White Chicken Chili: Use white beans, green chilies, and add a splash of cream or cream cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Vegetable-Loaded Chicken Chili: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes.
Vegetarian/Vegan Tip: Swap chicken for plant-based protein or extra beans and use vegetable broth.
How to Serve Chicken Chili
Chicken Chili is best served hot with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
- Serve With: Crusty bread, fluffy rice, warm cornbread, or a handful of tortilla chips for scooping.
For a party, set up a Chili Bar with toppings so everyone can customize their bowls!
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for a no-fuss meal later.
Recipe FAQs
How long does Chicken Chili last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How do I adjust the spice level?
For more heat, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. To mellow the spice, use fewer chili flakes and add creamy toppings.
Can I freeze Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! It freezes beautifully and can be stored for up to 3 months.
What if my chili is too watery?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid or mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Chicken Chili
Chicken Chili - This simple yet flavorful dish is versatile, easy to customize, and packed with bold, comforting flavors is perfect for a hungry crowd on game day, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded, or 1 whole rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 4.5 cups)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 can navy beans (15.5 oz.), drained & rinsed
- 1 can whole kernel corn (15.5 oz.), drained
- 1 can black beans (15.5 oz.), drained & rinsed
- 1 can northern beans (15.5 oz.), drained & rinsed
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (14.5 oz. each), undrained (think Rotel)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz.)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1.25 oz.)
- Optional Toppings: corn tortilla strips or Frito chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped white onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it turns soft and translucent.
- Stir in a packet of taco seasoning, letting those flavors bloom and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- In a blender, puree half a can of navy beans, half a can of black beans, and the entire can of northern beans. Don't forget to include the liquid—this is the secret to making your chili extra creamy.
- Add the pureed beans to your pot, followed by the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and drained corn. Then, stir in your shredded chicken.
- Mix in the remaining half cans of navy and black beans. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
- Let your Chicken Chili simmer over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, until fully heated through. For a bright burst of flavor, squeeze in the juice of one lime and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili fixings—crunchy tortilla strips or Frito chips, gooey shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 444Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 1736mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 14gSugar: 5gProtein: 37g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a fun variation, you’ll love the comfort it brings. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or secret ingredients in the comments below!
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