Chicken chilli, a mouth-watering and healthy recipe, fills any table with its delicacy. Our recipe is a balance of rich and bold flavours with tender chunks of chicken, which gives one a hearty as well as healthy meal, either for families or for gatherings. Be it a chilly winter evening or a casual dinner party, this chicken chilli will be one of your favourite recipes.
Ingredients for Chicken Chili
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion-diced
- 1 bell pepper-diced-preferably red for sweetness
- 4 cloves garlic-minced
- 1 can dice tomatoes-28 oz
- 2 cans white beans-15 oz each-drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans-15 oz-drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ tbsp chilli powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper-optional for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro, to garnish
- Sour cream and shredded cheese, optional for topping
Optional Ingredients, Added Depth
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, for added smokiness
- Juice of 1 lime, to brighten
- ½ tsp cinnamon to add depth
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Step 1: Prepare Chicken
In a large pot, over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place in the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the same pan. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, releasing an aroma.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Add the chilli powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using over the vegetables. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices and let the flavours bloom for about 1 minute.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white beans, and kidney beans. Stir all ingredients together. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix all the ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer Perfectly
Cover and reduce heat to low. Let the chilli simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring from time to time until the flavours come together and the chicken falls apart tenderly.
Step 6: Season Correctly
Taste the chilli then season with additional salt, pepper, or spices to taste. Squeeze over some lime juice and/or sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top.
Step 7: To serve
Spoon the chicken chilli into bowls. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top. If desired, swirl in some sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
Cooking Tips and Variations
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Slow Cooker Option
Alternatively, place the vegetables and chicken, plus the remaining ingredients, into a crock pot for an easy approach. Cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 will beautifully meld these flavours together while keeping your chicken tender.
Spice Level
For a milder or spicier chilli, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your taste. You can omit it for a milder chilli or add more cayenne or a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
Protein Options
Chicken breasts are lean and tender, but for a richer flavour, chicken thighs work wonders. When in the mood for variety, this recipe also takes well to ground chicken or turkey.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Chili
Chicken chilli is healthy, and packs a lot of protein yet has less fat compared to traditional beef chilli. The white and kidney beans add fibre that helps in digestion and sustained energy. This dish will be full of important vitamins and minerals, too, courtesy of the veggies and lean meat.
Conclusion
The recipe for chilli chicken given below turns out just perfect in its heartiness and comforting mix, yielding one to the flavour of healthy nutrition, rather easily prepared. With its beans, spices, and tender chicken, the dish should get all rounded up for a meal that even the largest crowd will love. Great to serve on any busy weeknight and perfect for entertaining casual affairs, this chicken chilli will be the favourite of all who try it.
FAQ
Can I freeze chicken chilli?
- Yes, chicken chilli freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for as long as 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the consistency.
How can I make the chilli creamier?
- To make it creamier, you can add a cup of sour cream or a block of cream cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir until fully melted and combined.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken?
- You can! If you are trying to save time, rotisserie chicken works great. Add the chicken in, shredded, in the last 10 minutes so that it doesn't overcook.
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