What’s in chicken chili?
I love that chili with chicken is easy to make with inexpensive ingredients! Here are just a few you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: You can use either thighs or breasts in this recipe. Thighs will have a richer flavor and will work great with the other ingredients. You could also add in left over rotisserie chicken instead towards the end of cooking if you prefer. Seasonings: Chili powder, salt and pepper are the essentials! You can always feel free to sprinkle something else in like cayenne or paprika if you’d like. Tomatoes: Beefsteak or tomatoes on the vine are my favorite to use.
Variations To Try
This chili is mild in spice. If you like things on the spicy side, feel free to add in a little cayenne pepper. I used red kidney beans in this recipe, but white or black beans will also work well.
How to Store and Reheat
The best thing about making a batch of chili is the leftovers! The flavors develop even more after a day or so so it’s perfect for meal prep. Let the chili cool to room temperature before placing in an air tight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 4 days and can be reheated on the stove top.
How to Freeze
Chili makes for a great freezer meal and will keep well for up to 3 months. Defrost the chili in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
You can cook the chicken ahead of time, or in a skillet first, but I make it in one pot to keep things easy. Make the chili in a heavy bottomed pan or dutch oven. It will distribute the heat more evenly and the bottom won’t stick.
How to Make Chicken Chili Step by Step
Cook the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts in 2 tbsp olive oil just until the chicken is white. Drain some of the juices. Add other ingredients: Add in 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, 3 chopped tomatoes, 16 oz red kidney beans, 1 cup tomato sauce, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Cook the chili: Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are softened.
More Chili Recipes We Love
Easy White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe
