Craving a warm, comforting, and healthy meal that's also quick to make? Look no further! This ground chicken chili recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Packed with flavor and protein, this delicious dish is sure to become a family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort – the ultimate win in homemade cooking! This recipe is easily adaptable, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Brown the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground chicken over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the chili: Pour in the diced tomatoes (both canned varieties), black beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together!
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or chopped cilantro. This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect served with cornbread or crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Chili:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and shred the cooked chicken before adding it to the chili.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- Add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian Chili: Substitute the ground chicken with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Turkey Chili: Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This ground chicken chili is a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights and a satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!