Introduction
Craving a chili that’s both hearty and healthy? Well, this Ground Chicken Chili is the answer! Not only is it packed with protein and flavor, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes. Therefore, it’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Quick and Customizable
This Ground Chicken Chili recipe is not only quick and easy but also customizable to your exact preferences. Whether you prefer a mild chili or a fiery one, you can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste. Additionally, using ground chicken makes it a lighter, leaner alternative to traditional beef chili, without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors. In fact, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthier twist. You’ll absolutely love this chili!
Ready to Get Cooking?
So, are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started! Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some amazing Ground Chicken Chili. I promise this will become a new family favorite!
External Resources
For more delicious and easy dinner ideas, check out Allrecipes. Additionally, for information on the health benefits of chili, explore Healthline.
Ground Chicken Chili
A quick and easy ground chicken chili that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, avocado
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, chopped green bell pepper, and chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredient Spotlight
Here’s what you’ll need to make Ground Chicken Chili:
Essential Ingredients
Olive Oil
Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables. You can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil if preferred.
Ground Chicken
The star of our chili! Lean ground chicken is a healthier option. You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
Yellow Onion
Adds subtle sweetness and depth. White onion can also be used, but it has a stronger flavor.
Garlic
Essential for its pungent, aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best, but garlic powder (about 1/2 tsp) can be used in a pinch.
Bell Peppers (Green & Red)
Add color, sweetness, and slight crunch. Feel free to use any color or even add jalapeños for a kick.
Beans for Texture
Kidney Beans & Black Beans
Provide fiber, protein, and hearty texture. Substitute with pinto or cannellini beans if you prefer.
Tomatoes and Chilies
Diced Tomatoes
Form the base of the chili sauce. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes offer extra smoky flavor.
Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
Add heat and flavor. If you prefer a milder chili, use plain diced tomatoes and chili flakes.
Broths and Spices
Chicken Broth
Adds moisture and flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
Chili Powder
The key ingredient for chili flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Cumin
Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chili.
Smoked Paprika
Gives the chili a smoky depth. Regular paprika works, but the smoky flavor enhances the dish.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
Adds heat! Omit for a milder chili.
Seasoning
Salt & Pepper
To taste.
Optional Toppings
Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Avocado
Get creative and add your favorites.
Feel free to experiment with different beans, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique Ground Chicken Chili! The key is to taste and adjust as you go. For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
| Nutrient | Approx. Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 5g |
*Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on your specific ingredient choices and portion sizes. Nevertheless, this table provides an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Ground Chicken Chili.*
Why This Recipe Works
This Ground Chicken Chili recipe is a winner for several reasons. Firstly, it’s quick and easy, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight meal. Additionally, it delivers fantastic flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. The use of ground chicken makes it a leaner, healthier option, while the combination of beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
Quick Cooking Time
Thanks to the ground chicken, the cooking time is significantly reduced. The canned beans and tomatoes also help minimize prep time, meaning you can have this chili ready in just 30 minutes.
Customizable Spice Level
You have complete control over the heat. Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your preferences. Additionally, the diced tomatoes and green chilies add a subtle spice, so you can tweak the amounts based on how spicy you want it.
Healthy and Lean
Ground chicken is a leaner alternative to ground beef, making this chili a healthier choice. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans and vegetables, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Ground Chicken Chili:
Prepare the Base
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Brown the Chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the chicken is browned, drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the dish lean.
Add Vegetables and Aromatics
- Sauté the Onion: Add 1 chopped medium yellow onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Peppers: Add 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 1 chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften slightly.
Combine the Chili Ingredients
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Next, stir in 1 (15 ounce) can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 (15 ounce) can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 (15 ounce) can of undrained diced tomatoes, and 1 (10 ounce) can of undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Add Broth and Spices: Then, stir in 1 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using).
Final Touches
- Season: Afterward, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Finally, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips and Tricks
Why it works: Overcrowding the pot lowers the temperature, which causes the chicken to steam instead of browning properly. Thus, cooking in smaller batches ensures optimal browning and flavor development.
Why it works: Allowing the chili to simmer enables the flavors to fully develop and meld together. As a result, you’ll have a much more complex and delicious chili.
Why it works: Chili powder varies in heat, and people have different spice tolerances. To avoid over-spicing, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to taste. Additionally, you can sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try, depending on your preferences and spice tolerance:
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Chicken Chili | Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers, increase cayenne pepper to 1/2 tsp, and use hot chili powder. | Simply add the chopped peppers along with the bell peppers. Then, follow the rest of the recipe as directed. |
| White Chicken Chili | Omit the diced tomatoes, use white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), add a 4 oz can of chopped green chilies, substitute cumin for oregano, and use chicken broth instead of water. | Follow the recipe as usual, substituting the ingredients as listed for a lighter, more delicate flavor. |
| Vegetarian Chicken Chili | Use plant-based ground “chicken” and vegetable broth. Additionally, add 1 cup of corn kernels. | Follow the recipe as usual, making the listed ingredient substitutions. Remember to add the corn along with the beans for a nice burst of sweetness. |
Recipe Knowledge Check: Are You a Chili Master?
Ready to test your chili knowledge? Take this quick quiz to see how much you know about this delicious Ground Chicken Chili recipe!
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Question 1: What type of protein is used in this chili recipe?
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Question 2: How long does it take to prepare this chili?
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Question 3: Which of the following spices adds a smoky flavor to the chili?
Share the Love!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ground chicken works well in chili. In fact, it’s a leaner alternative to beef, providing a healthier option without compromising on flavor. Moreover, ground chicken absorbs the spices and seasonings beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a delicious and satisfying chili.
Yes, chicken mince (ground chicken) is a great option for making chili. Not only does it provide a leaner alternative to traditional ground beef, but it also offers a lighter, yet still flavorful, base for your dish. Additionally, chicken mince absorbs the spices well, allowing the chili to retain its bold taste.
While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can also work well as alternatives. In fact, each of these options brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Yes, ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef, making it a lighter, leaner dish. Additionally, ground chicken still provides a similar texture, so the dish retains its heartiness. Furthermore, the spices and seasonings blend seamlessly with ground chicken, ensuring that the flavor remains rich and satisfying
Conclusion
This Ground Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also quick and healthy, making it an ideal choice for any weeknight meal. Additionally, its versatility allows you to adjust the flavor to your liking, whether you prefer it mild or spicy. Furthermore, the lean protein from the ground chicken, combined with the fiber from the beans and vegetables, creates a nutritious and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.
We hope you enjoy making this Ground Chicken Chili as much as we do! Moreover, feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature version. After all, the possibilities are endless, and your next favorite recipe might be just a tweak away!