ground chicken chili recipe

Easy Ground Chicken Chili Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

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As autumn’s chill arrives, nothing warms the soul like homemade chili. This isn’t just any chili. It’s a Easy Ground Chicken Chili that will become your favorite weeknight dish. It’s healthy, delicious, and loved by all.

This ground chicken chili recipe is a labor of love, made with care and detail. It uses lean ground chicken and a perfect spice blend. Every part comes together to make a dish that’s both nourishing and irresistible. With over 10.3K shares, it’s clear many have fallen in love with it. Now, it’s your turn.

This chili stands out because of its black beans. They add a rich, satisfying flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for busy nights, offering a healthy, homemade meal fast. And it’s not just tasty; it’s also full of nutrients.

Introduction to Ground Chicken Chili

Ground chicken is a great choice for chili that everyone will love. This low-fat chili recipe is both hearty and nutritious. It’s a healthier option than traditional ground beef, making it perfect for families.

What Makes Ground Chicken a Great Choice?

Ground chicken is lean and absorbs flavors well, making your easy chili recipe taste amazing. It has a milder taste than ground beef, letting other chili ingredients stand out. This makes it easy to customize and enjoy by everyone.

Benefits of Cooking with Ground Chicken

  • Reduces overall fat and calorie content of the chili
  • Provides a lighter, more delicate texture compared to ground beef
  • Allows for a wider range of flavor combinations and recipe variations
  • Offers a healthier, low-fat chili option for the whole family

Ground chicken chili is perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep option. It’s both flavorful and nutritious. Enjoy a comforting and family-friendly chili that’s easy to make and loved by all.

Essential Ingredients for Chili

Making a tasty ground chicken chili begins with the right ingredients. The key ingredients that make this dish special include:

  • Ground chicken (2 pounds)
  • Olive oil
  • Yellow onions (2 cups, chopped)
  • Red bell pepper (1 large)
  • Garlic cloves (6 medium)
  • Black beans (1 can)
  • Kidney beans (1 can)
  • Diced tomatoes (28 oz can)
  • Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  • Chili powder (3 tablespoons)
  • Ground cumin (1 tablespoon)
  • Ground coriander (2 teaspoons)
  • Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

To boost the flavors of this chicken chili ingredients dish, try adding:

  • Jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
  • Cream cheese (for a creamy texture)
  • Zucchini or carrots (for extra vegetables)

This healthy chili ingredients recipe is very flexible. You can mix and match different beans, veggies, and spices to match your taste and diet.

Preparation Steps

Getting your ground chicken and veggies ready is key to a tasty chili. Here are some tips for prepping ground chicken and chopping veggies. These steps will make your homemade chili a hit.

Tips for Prepping Ground Chicken

Make sure the ground chicken is thawed and at room temperature before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and stays moist. Use a wooden spoon or meat chopper to break it into small pieces. This helps it mix well with the chili.

Chopping Vegetables for Optimal Flavor

  • Onions: Dice the onions into small, uniform pieces. A vegetable chopper can make this task quick and easy.
  • Bell peppers: Slice the bell peppers into thin strips or dice them into small cubes for a more uniform texture in the chili.
  • Jalapeños: Mince the jalapeños finely to distribute the heat evenly throughout the dish.
  • Garlic: Mince or press the garlic cloves to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor of the chili.

Prep all your ingredients before cooking to make the process easier. Chop, dice, and mince your veggies to the right size. This way, you’ll get a delicious, balanced chili.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to make a tasty ground chicken chili? Follow these simple steps. The secret to a great chili is in how you prepare and cook it. Let’s explore how to make this dish a hit.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

  1. First, heat a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of olive oil. Cook the chopped onions, green peppers, and red peppers until they’re soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for a minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Next, add the ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. After the chicken is cooked, add the homemade chili seasoning. This includes chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red cayenne pepper.
  5. Scrape the bottom of the pan with chicken or vegetable broth to get all the browned bits.
  6. Now, add the drained canned chili beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with chilies. Stir well.
  7. Finally, add the tomato paste and mix everything together.

Cooking Time and Temperature Tips

Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then. This lets the flavors blend. For a thicker chili, simmer longer, up to 30-40 minutes, or cook it uncovered. Cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, depending on your preference.

Make sure the ground chicken reaches 165°F to be safe and fully cooked. Lean ground chicken cooks in 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat.

Nutrition FactsPer ServingWith Cheese
Calories330440
Protein39g36g
Carbohydrates26g27g
Fat9g18g
Fiber8gN/A
how to make chicken chili

By following these steps and tips, you’ll make a delicious and healthy ground chicken chili. It’s perfect for any time. Enjoy!

Flavor Enhancements

Make your ground chicken chili stand out with the right spices and herbs. The perfect mix of seasonings can turn a good chili into a great one. Begin with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano for a solid base. For more depth, try a bit of cinnamon or brown sugar.

Spices and Seasonings to Consider

  • Chili powder: Adds earthy, smoky notes and the signature chili flavor.
  • Cumin: Lends a warm, earthy aroma and depth of flavor.
  • Paprika: Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Oregano: Contributes a slightly peppery, woodsy taste.
  • Cinnamon: A surprise addition that can lend a subtle sweetness.
  • Brown sugar: A small amount can balance the heat and acidity.
  • Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes: Adjust the heat to your preference.

Using Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost

Add fresh herbs towards the end for a refreshing touch. Cilantro is a classic, but try oregano, thyme, or parsley too. These herbs will make your chicken chili seasoning and spicy chili recipe even better.

Keep tasting and adjusting the seasonings as you cook. This way, you’ll get the flavors just right for you. With the right spices and herbs, your chili will be a treat for your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

Make your ground chicken chili even better by trying different ways to serve it. Pour the hot chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Try shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced jalapeños for a creamy and spicy touch. For a crunchy bite, serve it with tortilla chips or cornbread.

Want to make your chili stand out? Try it in a hollowed-out bread bowl. The chili’s rich flavors go great with the soft bread. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos, adding more texture and taste.

To complete your meal, pair the chili toppings with a green salad or rice. This mix of savory chili and side dishes makes for a great meal. Try different sides to find your favorite way to enjoy how to serve chicken chili.

“The beauty of a good chili is that it can be enjoyed in so many ways. Get creative with your serving and topping choices to make each bite truly memorable.”

Storage and Leftovers

Enjoying a hearty bowl of homemade ground chicken chili is a treat. But what about leftovers? Storing and reheating your chili right can keep its flavor and texture perfect. This way, you can enjoy every last bite.

How to Store Ground Chicken Chili

To keep your storing chicken chili fresh, just put leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Leftover Chili

For reheating chili, the stovetop is best. Put the chili in a saucepan and heat it over medium, stirring now and then. If it’s too thick, add some broth or water while it heats up.

Enjoying leftover ground chicken chili is a smart way to save food and stretch your meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days.

Variations of Ground Chicken Chili

Exploring chicken chili variations opens up a world of flavors. You can choose from spicy to mild, depending on your taste. Adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños or Ro-Tel tomatoes lets you control the heat.

Ground chicken chili is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. For a smoky kick, add chipotle peppers or smoked paprika. Prefer a creamy texture? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese. To make it heartier, toss in beans like black beans or kidney beans. Add a touch of sweetness with corn or diced sweet potatoes, or give it a fresh twist with a squeeze of lime and chopped cilantro. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or loaded with veggies, ground chicken chili can be tailored to suit any craving!

Spicy versus Mild: Finding Your Flavor

For those who love bold flavors, add more chili powder and jalapeños. Use hot Ro-Tel tomatoes for an extra kick. For a milder taste, cut down on spices and choose mild Ro-Tel tomatoes. Mix and match to find your ideal flavor.

Vegetarian Adaptations

Want a vegetarian chili option? Replace ground chicken with plant-based crumbles or add more beans. Use kidney, pinto, or black beans for a protein-rich dish. Sweet potatoes can add a fun twist.

Chili’s versatility lets you experiment with flavors. It’s a dish you can make your own. So, get creative and enjoy!

chicken chili variations

Nutrition Information

This healthy chili recipe is both comforting and nutritious. A 2-cup serving has about 301-374 calories. It also has 23-33 grams of nutritional benefits of chicken chili, 29-33 grams of carbs, and 10-17 grams of fat.

This dish is rich in fiber, with 11 grams per serving. It also offers vitamins and minerals from the veggies and beans. To make it even healthier, try using ground turkey breast or adding more veggies and less meat.

Caloric Breakdown and Nutritional Benefits

NutrientPer ServingPer Whole Recipe
Calories301-374 kcal3126 kcal
Protein23-33 g386 g
Carbohydrates29-33 g193 g
Fat10-17 g90 g
Saturated Fat2-4 g24 g
Fiber11 g73 g
Sodium352-705 mg4230 mg

Healthier Alternatives

For a lighter, more nutritious version of this healthy chili recipe, try these options:

  • Switch to ground turkey breast to cut down on fat and calories.
  • Add more veggies like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and use less meat.
  • Choose low-fat or reduced-fat dairy products, like light sour cream, to boost the dish’s healthiness.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

This ground chicken chili recipe is both versatile and flavorful. You can make it your own by trying different spices, adding your favorite veggies, or choosing unique toppings. Chili often gets better with time, so making it ahead can enhance the taste.

Making It Your Own: Personal Touches

This recipe is all about flexibility. You can tweak the cooking times and ingredient amounts to fit your taste. For a spicier chili, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper. For a milder taste, reduce the spices or skip the cayenne. The options are endless.

Encouraging Your Own Recipe Experimentations

Cooking is a journey, and this recipe is just the start. Use it as a base to explore your creativity. Swap the ground chicken for shredded chicken or ground beef for a new taste. Adding extra veggies like corn, bell peppers, or potatoes can also boost nutrition. The most important thing is to have fun and find the perfect mix for you.

FAQ

What makes ground chicken a great choice for chili?

Ground chicken is lean, which means less fat. It’s also great at soaking up flavors. This makes it perfect for chili.

What are the key ingredients in this ground chicken chili recipe?

You’ll need ground chicken, olive oil, onions, and bell peppers. Also, garlic, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices like chili powder and cumin.

How do I prepare the ground chicken for this recipe?

Make sure the chicken is thawed and at room temperature. Use a spoon or meat chopper to break it into small pieces while cooking.

How long does this ground chicken chili recipe take to make?

It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. You can simmer it longer for even more flavor.

Can I customize the spice level in this chili recipe?

Yes, you can change the spice level. Add more chili powder or jalapeños for heat. For less spice, use mild Ro-Tel.

How can I store and reheat leftover ground chicken chili?

Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 4 days. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stovetop until hot.

What are the nutritional benefits of this ground chicken chili recipe?

A 2-cup serving has 301-374 calories, 23-33g protein, and 29-33g carbs. It also has 10-17g fat. Plus, it’s rich in fiber and nutrients from veggies and beans.

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