basic chicken chili recipe

The Best basic chicken chili recipe

I’ve been making this basic chicken chili recipe for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorites. It’s a staple in our household, and I love how easy it is to whip up on a weeknight or for a weekend gathering.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it over rice, with some crusty bread, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

They love the way the flavors all come together, and I appreciate how healthy it is – with lean chicken, plenty of veggies, and no added sugars. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so we can enjoy it all year round.

I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to make it my own, but the core ingredients remain the same. It’s a true comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

Whether we’re talking about a casual dinner or a holiday meal, this chicken chili is always a crowd-pleaser. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to spend time in the kitchen with loved ones?

It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings us all together.

Basic Chicken Chili

4.9 from 1553 votes

A hearty and comforting chicken chili made with simple pantry staples. This one-pot meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5The chicken should be lightly browned in spots.
6Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
7Stir well to combine all ingredients.
8Add the chicken broth and bring the chili to a boil over high heat.
9Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for 20 minutes.
10The chili should be thickened and the chicken cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
11Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or chili powder if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Watch Video Of How Basic Chicken Chili Works

This basic chicken chili recipe is one of my go-to dishes for any occasion – whether we’re talking about a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering.

It’s easy to make in bulk and freezes beautifully, so I can enjoy it all year round.

Plus, my family loves helping me in the kitchen with this recipe – they know exactly what to expect when we sit down to eat together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Chicken Chili

What is chicken chili?

Chicken chili is a type of chili that uses chicken as its main protein source instead of beef or other meats. It’s often made with ground chicken, but you can also use boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.

Can I make chicken chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make chicken chili in a slow cooker! Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How do I serve chicken chili?

Serving chicken chili is all about customization – you can serve it over rice, with some crusty bread on the side, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also add some shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions to give it an extra boost of flavor.

Can I make chicken chili ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken chili ahead of time – simply let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it for later use. When you’re ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat it on low heat until warmed through.

What are some good variations on this recipe?

There are so many ways to mix things up! Try adding some diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat. You can also add some beans like black beans or kidney beans for added fiber and protein.

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