Chicken Chili Recipe (with Video)

Chicken Chili Recipe: There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chicken chili to warm you up on a cold day.

This recipe blends tender chicken, a medley of spices, and wholesome ingredients into a comforting dish that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving a cozy meal, this chicken chili recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients for Chicken Chili

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect chicken chili:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded.
• 2 cups chicken broth.
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes.
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans or black beans, drained and rinsed.
• 1 medium onion, diced.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned).

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tbsp chili powder.
• 1 tsp ground cumin.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika.
• 1 tsp oregano.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Optional Add-Ons:

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers.
• 1 tbsp tomato paste for a richer flavor.
• 1 jalapeño, chopped (for heat).
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese or sour cream for garnish.
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Tools and Equipment

To prepare this recipe seamlessly, ensure you have the following tools:

Essential Tools:

• A large pot or Dutch oven.
• Cutting board and sharp knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Wooden spoon or spatula.

Optional Tools:

• Slow cooker (for a hands-off method).
• Immersion blender (if you prefer a smoother texture).

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is key to a smooth cooking process. Here’s how to get started:

Prepping the Chicken:

• If using raw chicken, dice it into bite-sized pieces or shred it for a different texture.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Chopping Vegetables:

• Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop any additional vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños.
• Drain and rinse beans if using canned.

Spice Mix:

• Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano in a small bowl for an evenly distributed flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.

Building the Base

1. In the same pot, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
2. Stir in the spice mix, letting it toast briefly to release its aroma.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and optional tomato paste, stirring well.
4. Return the chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Simmering the Chili

Simmering is where the magic happens. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken to the perfect consistency. Here’s what to do:

1. Once your base is boiling gently, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20–30 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. If you notice the chili is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, uncovered, to reduce the liquid.
4. Keep an eye on the texture—you want it rich and slightly chunky, not watery.

Adding Final Ingredients

As the chili simmers, it’s time to incorporate the finishing touches that bring the dish together.

Add Beans and Corn:

• Stir in your drained beans and corn, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
• These ingredients not only add texture but also a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.

Adjust for Taste:

• At this stage, taste your chili and decide if it needs more seasoning. Add salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.

Optional Add-Ons:

• For those who enjoy a bit more heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the overall flavor.

Adjusting the Seasoning

Your chicken chili should now be close to perfection, but let’s make sure every bite is as flavorful as possible.

Taste Test:

• Use a clean spoon to taste the chili. Ask yourself: Does it have enough spice? Is it well-balanced?

Tweak as Needed:

• Add more chili powder or smoked paprika if it needs extra depth.
• If it’s too spicy, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar can help mellow it out.

Final Stir:

• Stir thoroughly to ensure all flavors are evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken chili is versatile and pairs well with many sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas:

On Its Own: Serve in bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Over Rice or Pasta: Pour the chili over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta for a heartier meal.

With Bread or Tortillas: Pair with crusty bread, cornbread, or warm tortillas for dipping and scooping.

Creative Toppings: Try diced avocados, pickled jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Chili

Want to take your chicken chili to the next level? Keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, high-quality spices, and good chicken broth make a noticeable difference.

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow enough time for the chili to develop its full flavor.

Experiment with Toppings: Toppings like lime wedges, green onions, or shredded cheese add a personal touch to each bowl.

Make It Ahead: Chicken chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Storage and Reheating

Chicken chili is perfect for meal prepping and tastes even better as leftovers.

Storage: Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much in the fridge or freezer.

Making Chicken Chili in a Slow Cooker

If you want a hands-off approach, this recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker.

Preparation: Sauté the chicken, onions, and garlic as described above. Then transfer them to a slow cooker.

Cooking:

• Add all remaining ingredients except for beans and corn. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
• Stir in the beans and corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Benefits: The slow cooker method allows for an even deeper infusion of flavors.

Variations of Chicken Chili

There are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes:

Spicy Version: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced chili peppers for a fiery kick.

Creamy Chicken Chili: Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, or a can of coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.

Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for extra beans, tofu, or plant-based protein.

Sweet and Savory: Add a splash of honey or diced sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness.

FAQs About Chicken Chili Recipe

Q1: What is chicken chili?

Chicken chili is a flavorful dish made with shredded or diced chicken, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s a lighter alternative to traditional beef chili, offering a delicious and hearty meal.

Q2: How do I make chicken chili?

To make chicken chili, sauté onions and garlic, then add cooked chicken, beans, tomatoes, and chili spices. Simmer the mixture until flavors meld together. For extra flavor, consider adding toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro.

Q3: Can I use leftover chicken for chicken chili?

Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly for chicken chili. Simply shred or dice the cooked chicken and add it to the chili during the cooking process.

Q4: Is chicken chili spicy?

The spiciness of chicken chili depends on the spices and chili peppers you use. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper.

Q5: Can chicken chili be made in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make chicken chili in a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. This method enhances the flavors while saving you time.

Q6: Is chicken chili healthy?

Chicken chili is a healthy option, especially if made with lean chicken breast, lots of vegetables, and minimal added fats. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious meal choice.

Q7: Can I freeze chicken chili?

Yes, chicken chili freezes well. Store it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

This chicken chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it up, enjoy the warmth, and relish the compliments that will surely come your way!