Chicken chili is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, beans, and spices. A perfect choice for cold weather, this one-pot meal offers the flavors of a slow-cooked stew in a fraction of the time. Ideal for family dinners or social gatherings, chicken chili is easy to make and highly customizable.
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Chicken chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold day. It is made with simple ingredients, such as chicken, beans, tomatoes, and spices, and is simmered until it is rich and flavorful. This homemade chili recipe is made with hearty beans, tender chicken, and a creamy broth. It’s a lighter option than beef chili and makes a really satisfying dinner. In addition, leftovers are great for lunch the next day.
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If you haven’t tried white chicken chili yet, it’s ideal for those who like chicken more than beef or want a creamier, protein-rich soup. Your family will love it as much as we do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why you will love this recipe for chicken chili:
- It is quick and easy to make. Chicken chili is a simple recipe that can be whipped up in no time.
- This verde chicken chili is healthy and nutritious.
- In addition, this recipe is a good source of protein and fiber, and is low in fat.
- The chili is hearty and flavorful, with a perfect balance of savory and spicy.
- This homemade recipe is versatile. You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different ingredients, such as corn, cheese, or avocado.
- It is perfect for any occasion. Chicken chili is a great meal for a casual weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free and nut free. Skip the sour cream and cheese on top for a dairy free dinner.
- Check out this White Bean Chili for another delicious family dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
These are the ingredients and substitutions for this chicken chili. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.
First, use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Cut into bite-sized pieces. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw completely.
Olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic. Feel free to use butter, ghee, or avocado oil if desired.
Dice the onion finely.
Minced garlic adds the most delicious garlicky flavor!
Drain and rinse your cans of white beans.
Diced green chilies add the heat! This chili is medium in heat.
Chicken broth adds nutrients, protein, and a delicious base to this chili recipe.
Season with cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper to taste.
A little lime juice adds a delicious acidity.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos if desired. Cheese is another tasty topping!
Taste & Texture
Chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful soup with a variety of different textures.
The chicken is tender and juicy, the beans are soft and creamy, and the broth is rich.
The chili is also slightly spicy, with a hint of heat from the chili powder and cumin.
How to Make
Step 1
First, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Add the drained white beans, diced green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 5
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7
Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Lastly, serve the Verde Chicken Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips and tricks for making the best chicken chili:
Don’t overcook the chicken. The chicken should be cooked through, but it should not be dry.
Add the spices to taste. If you like your chili spicy, add more chili powder and cumin.
Let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some fun ways to switch up the flavors of your chicken verde chili.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Bean Swap: Use black beans or navy beans as alternatives to the usual kidney beans.
Cheese Love: Stir in some cheddar or Monterey Jack to make it extra creamy.
How to Serve & Store
Serve the chicken chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.
It pairs well with a side of cornbread or side salad.
To store, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! Reduce the cooking time to prevent the chicken from becoming too dry.
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just remember to thaw it completely before reheating.
Don’t worry. Even with a few missing spices, your chicken chili will still be delicious. Just aim for a good balance between the spicy and savory elements.
Equipment Needed
Nonstick Skillet: This is a large enough pan for this verde chicken chili.
Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This also helps the chicken from becoming overcooked and dry.
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