Chicken Chili: 5 Bold Flavors You Can’t Resist

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 15, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty and spicy, then let me introduce you to my absolute favorite chicken chili! This dish is the perfect warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with flavor and packed with protein. The best part? It comes together so effortlessly! With ground chicken, a colorful medley of beans, and just the right kick of chili powder, this chicken chili is not only comforting but also a fantastic way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful, you’ll be hooked! Every bite is a celebration of bold flavors and cozy textures, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Get ready to bring some spice into your life with this delicious recipe!

chicken chili - detail 1

Ingredients

To whip up this hearty chicken chili, you’ll need the following ingredients. Make sure to prep them as noted for the best results:

1 lb ground chicken
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Having everything prepped and ready to go will make cooking this chicken chili a breeze, so don’t skip this step!

How to Prepare Chicken Chili

Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of making this chicken chili! It’s all about building flavors step by step, and trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is!

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

First things first, grab a large pot and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, so when you add the chopped onion, it sizzles! Sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. Then, toss in those minced garlic cloves and stir them around for another minute. Oh, the aroma of garlic is just heavenly, isn’t it? This step is crucial because it lays the foundation of flavor for your chili!

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Next up, it’s time to add in the star of the show: the ground chicken! Break it up with your spoon as you add it to the pot, and cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want to cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step is super important because browning the chicken gives it a lovely flavor. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly. You might even want to season it with a pinch of salt while it cooks for an extra flavor boost!

Step 3: Adding Spices

Once your chicken is beautifully browned, it’s time to amp up the flavor with spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir so the spices coat the chicken evenly. This is where the magic happens! If you like a little more heat, don’t be shy—feel free to adjust those spices to your taste. Just remember that you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Step 4: Bringing Everything Together

Now, let’s bring all those delicious ingredients together. Add the drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth into the pot. Give everything a good mix so all those flavors meld together beautifully. It’s starting to look like chili now, isn’t it? That vibrant color and hearty texture are just calling your name!

Step 5: Simmering the Chili

Bring your chili to a boil over high heat, and once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. This is where the flavors really develop, so let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You might want to stir it occasionally, just to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! You can even make it ahead of time and let it sit—chili always tastes better the next day!

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

Finally, it’s time to serve up your hearty chicken chili! Ladle it into bowls while it’s hot and steamy. If you want to take it up a notch, top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh cilantro. Wow, just imagine that creamy richness melting into your chili. It’s the perfect way to finish off this cozy meal. Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken chili is not just another meal—it’s a game changer! Here are a few reasons why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber from the ground chicken and beans, this chili will fill you up and keep you satisfied.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about 40 minutes!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic choice for meal prepping. Just reheat and enjoy throughout the week!
Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level and spices to your liking. Want it spicier? Toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce! Prefer it milder? Just dial back on the chili powder.
Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults! The bright flavors and rich textures make it a meal everyone will love.

Trust me, once you try this chicken chili, you won’t want to go back to your old recipes. It’s a hug in a bowl, ready to warm your soul!

Tips for Success

To make sure your chicken chili turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I always keep in mind:

Adjusting the Spices: Feel free to taste as you go! If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper. If you find it too spicy, a dollop of sour cream can help mellow it out.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh garlic and onion for the best flavor. They create a wonderful base that enhances the entire dish. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference!
Storage Tips: This chicken chili stores beautifully! After it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll last about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as it may expand when frozen.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much. Heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! Besides cheese and sour cream, try adding avocado slices, diced green onions, or even crushed tortilla chips for some crunch. It’s a fun way to change things up!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best chicken chili ever. Enjoy the cooking process and don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Nutritional Information

Before you dig into that delicious bowl of chicken chili, it’s always good to know what you’re putting in your body! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup). Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

Remember, this chicken chili is not just hearty and satisfying but also packs a nutritious punch! Perfect for those chilly days when you need something warm and comforting. Enjoy!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! If you’d like to switch things up, ground turkey or even beef work wonderfully in this chicken chili. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly. Ground turkey tends to cook similarly to chicken, while beef might need a bit more time to brown and render its fat. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite variation!

How can I make chicken chili spicier?

If you’re looking to turn up the heat, there are several ways to do it! You can add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the pot along with the onions. For an extra kick, try incorporating some cayenne pepper or hot sauce when you add the spices. Just remember to taste as you go so you can adjust the heat to your liking. You want it spicy, but still delicious!

Can I make chicken chili in advance?

Yes, you can totally make this chicken chili ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. After it’s cooked, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth if it thickens too much!

What can I serve with chicken chili?

This chicken chili pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Cornbread is a classic choice, providing a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy chili. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for some crunch, or a fresh green salad to lighten things up. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of loaded nachos topped with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream would be fantastic!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You bet! This chicken chili is naturally gluten-free since it relies on wholesome ingredients like beans, chicken, and spices. Just double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten. But overall, you can enjoy this delicious recipe without any worries!