Are you dreaming of cozy nights around a crackling campfire, but tired of the same old hot dogs and marshmallows? Then get ready to roar with delight! This Brown Bear Campfire Recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy one-pan meal perfect for your next outdoor adventure, or even a weeknight dinner at home. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. This recipe is ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the onion and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. If you're prepping ahead, you can do this step earlier in the day.
Step 2: Combine in a Dutch Oven or Large Pan
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan (suitable for both stovetop and oven cooking), combine the chicken, onion, and bell peppers.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, chicken broth, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Simmer on the Stovetop
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection (Optional)
For a richer flavor and tender chicken, transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. If cooking directly on a campfire, carefully place the Dutch oven on the embers and let it simmer gently, covered, until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Adjust cooking time depending on the heat of your campfire.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as cornbread, rice, or crusty bread.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- For a thicker sauce: Remove the lid during the last few minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce.
- Add some heat: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra spice.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas or black beans.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe also works wonderfully in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This Brown Bear Campfire Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciousness and the ease of preparation – your taste buds (and your campfire companions) will thank you! It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home, perfect for adding to your list of best recipes.