There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a chicken chili simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with warmth and inviting everyone to gather around. This chicken chili recipe promises to be the heart and soul of any meal, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate and a comforting texture that wraps you in a cozy embrace. taco casserole in a slow cooker.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken for this chicken chili recipe?
- What type of beans are best for chicken chili?
- How can I make this chicken chili recipe spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, your friends are over, and you want to impress them without breaking a sweat. That’s when I whip out my trusty chicken chili recipe, one that has become legendary in my circle. chicken lo mein recipe It’s not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together, warms hearts, and creates memories worth savoring.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken chili is not only easy to whip up but is also bursting with flavor
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, making it perfect for gatherings
- Customize it to suit any dietary preferences or spice levels, ensuring everyone is happy!
My friends still rave about the time I made this dish for game night. With every spoonful, there were sounds of approval and requests for seconds—definitely a proud moment in my cooking journey.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These add tenderness and rich flavor; they hold up well during cooking.
- Canned Tomatoes: Look for diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick of flavor.
- Kidney Beans: Choose low-sodium varieties; they add bulk and protein to the chili.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion works best for its sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they elevate the dish with aromatic depth.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and varying sweetness levels.
- Chili Powder: This is your spice hero; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- Cumin: A teaspoon adds an earthy note that harmonizes beautifully with the other spices.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and peppers until they’re perfectly caramelized.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (for topping): Adds creaminess that balances out the spices beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Dice the onion and bell peppers into small pieces, mince the garlic cloves finely, and cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; cook until they soften and become translucent—about five minutes will do the trick.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic as soon as the onions turn golden brown. Cook for another minute until fragrant—trust me; your kitchen will smell divine!
Brown Chicken: Toss in the chicken pieces next. Cook them until they’re browned on all sides—this usually takes about six minutes. You want them crispy but not fully cooked through yet.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin now. Stir everything well so those spices can coat every piece of chicken and vegetable evenly—about two minutes should suffice. For more inspiration, check out this air fryer chicken rissoles recipe.
Combine Everything: Pour in those canned tomatoes (juice included), kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low and letting it simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes—this allows flavors to meld beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this chicken sausages recipe recipe.
Feel free to taste along the way! Adjust seasonings as necessary—maybe you need more chili powder? Go ahead!
With each step, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating culinary magic—the kind that makes both your taste buds sing and your heart swell with pride.
And there you have it! Your very own bowl of chicken chili ready to warm hearts, nourish souls, and spark joy at any gathering!
You Must Know
- A good chicken chili recipe is all about layering flavors; the right spices can transform a mundane dish into a culinary masterpiece
- Pay attention to the freshness of your ingredients for the best results
- The smell of simmering chili will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken in a pot, then add onions and garlic until fragrant before introducing spices and broth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beans or add veggies like bell peppers for extra color and crunch. You can even toss in some corn for sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an even richer flavor, let your chili simmer longer
- Don’t rush it!
- Use fresh herbs when possible for a pop of brightness
- Always taste as you go; adjustments make all the difference between good and great
The first time I made this chicken chili recipe, my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Who knew my cooking could earn such accolades? ultimate chili recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this chicken chili recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it before cooking for even seasoning and texture.
What type of beans are best for chicken chili?
Kidney beans and black beans are popular choices, but pinto beans work well too.
How can I make this chicken chili recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level in your chili.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm your soul with this hearty chicken chili, a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices simmered to perfection. Perfect for chilly evenings or game nights, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any palate. Serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra creamy touch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion and bell peppers, mincing the garlic, and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers; sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides (approximately 6 minutes).
- Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin; stir well for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg