How Do You Make Chicken Chili?
Chicken chili is a popular and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to warm up on a cold day, and it’s also a great option for a quick and easy meal. In this article, we’ll show you how to make chicken chili from scratch, with a simple and flavorful recipe that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (16 oz) chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions.
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Soften the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Bell Pepper
Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Add the diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 6: Add the Chicken Back In
Add the browned chicken back to the pot and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind:
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it in place of the raw chicken breast or thighs.
- Add some heat: If you like a little more heat in your chili, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot.
- Make it vegetarian: You can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with black beans or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Freeze it: Chicken chili freezes well, so you can make a big batch and freeze it for later.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for this recipe:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 350 per serving |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Cholesterol | 60mg |
Sodium | 400mg |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 5g |
Conclusion
That’s it! With these simple steps and ingredients, you can make a delicious and hearty chicken chili that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of chicken chili!