Kickin' Chicken Chili: Comfort Food, Elevated

My Kickin' chicken chili recipe is a flavour party! Quick enough for weeknights, satisfying for crowds. Ditch the boring chili & try this proper comfort food!

Kickin' Chicken Chili Recipe : Comfort Food, Elevated

Ever have one of those days where you just need a massive hug in a bowl? well, this chicken chili recipe is exactly that! forget sad desk lunches and bland dinners.

This is proper comfort food.

This beauty isn't just delicious, it's a flavour explosion. think lean chicken, tender beans and a whole lotta goodness simmering away.

This kickin' chicken chili is way beyond your average tuesday night dinner!

From Humble Beginnings to Your Kitchen

Chili, as a dish, has a proper fascinating history, right? it likely originated in northern mexico or southern texas in the 1800s.

It's evolved so much. this particular take is all about taking those classic flavors and making them even easier and tastier.

The best part? it's dead easy to make! ready in under an hour. this chili chicken recipe will feed 6-8 hungry souls.

Why You Need This Chicken Chili Recipe in Your Life

This white bean chicken chili recipe is packed with protein and fiber. it's healthy-ish. think of it as your "i need a boost" kinda meal.

Plus, this white chicken chili recipe crockpot variation (which we'll touch on later) is perfect for those busy days when you just want to chuck everything in and forget about it.

My mate sarah brought this round for a bonfire night last year. honestly, it was better than the fireworks!

This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili version makes this recipe special. Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?

Alright, let’s dive into what you'll need. we’re about to make this kickin' chicken chili . it's comfort food, elevated, you know? it is inspired by that bbc chicken chili, but like, way better.

Ingredients & Equipment

First, let's gather our bits. Don't worry, you probably have most of this already.

Main Ingredients

Okay, for the actual chili, here's the breakdown. Get your notepad ready!

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). Any cooking oil will do, really.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. (About 1 cup , 150g ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. (About 1 tsp , 5g ). Fresh is best, obviously.
• Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped. (About 1 cup , 150g ). Adds a bit of sweetness.
• Jalapeño pepper: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). (About 1 tbsp , 5g ). For a cheeky kick!
• Chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs , cubed. ( 680g ). Quality chicken makes a big difference, honestly. Look for free-range, if you can.
• Chili powder: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). The backbone of our flavour, this is our chili chicken recipe hero.
• Ground cumin: 1 tsp ( 5 ml ). Adds warmth.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5 ml ). For that smoky deliciousness.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional, 1 ml ). More heat if you are feeling frisky!
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can ( 794g ).
• Black beans: 1 (15 oz) can , rinsed. ( 425g ).
• Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz) can , rinsed. ( 425g ). White bean chicken chili is amazing, and swapping these beans for white beans works a treat!
• Chicken broth: 1 cup ( 240 ml ). Proper stock makes a difference!
• Tomato paste: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ).
• Brown sugar: 1 tsp ( 5g ). A tiny bit balances the acidity.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g ), or to taste. Seasoning is key.
• Black pepper: 1/4 tsp ( 1ml ), or to taste.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens. it’s not just about chucking stuff in. cumin and chili powder are non-negotiable. they're the essential base.

Smoked paprika adds a depth that's just chef's kiss . a pinch of brown sugar brightens things up. you can play around with it.

Want it hotter? add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes . for a mexican twist, add some mexican oregano .

I've even tried a little bit of lime zest before. it's bloody brilliant! i always use this as a chili slow cooker base, and it is spot on.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need fancy kit.

• Large pot or Dutch oven. Anything that holds heat well is spot on. Or, make it a chicken chili crockpot recipe!
• Cutting board. You know, for chopping stuff.
• Chef's knife. A decent one makes life easier, honestly.
• Measuring spoons and cups. Eyeballing is fine, but these help.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring, obviously.

If you haven't got a dutch oven, a large saucepan will do at a pinch. if you're making a white bean chicken chili slow cooker version, then obviously, your slow cooker is the star.

You can even chuck it all in a chili slow cooker on low for like, 6 hours. dinner sorted!. now you are ready to start with this white chicken chili recipe .

I even love a good chicken poblano chili , so i swap it out!

Alright, mate! fancy a bowl of something warm and comforting? let’s talk kickin' chicken chili: comfort food, elevated ! forget those bland supermarket chillis.

We're about to make something special. honestly, this recipe's so easy, even my clumsy mate dave could nail it, and that's saying something.

We're talkin' flavour explosion in a bowl, quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for the gang. think of it as a hug from the inside out.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

Okay, first things first: get your stuff together. this is the essential mise en place, the secret to stress-free cooking.

Chop 1 large onion (about 1 cup), mince 2 cloves of garlic , dice 1 red bell pepper , and if you're feeling brave, mince 1 jalapeño pepper (optional).

Cube 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts . measure out your spices: 1 tbsp chili powder , 1 tsp cumin , 1/2 tsp smoked paprika , and 1/4 tsp cayenne (if you dare!).

Open those tins: 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes , 1 (15 oz) can of black beans , and 1 (15 oz) can of kidney beans .

Grab 1 cup of chicken broth , 1 tbsp of tomato paste , 1 tsp of brown sugar , 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper .

Organisation is key, trust me! safety first: always use a clean cutting board, and wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

From Hob to Heaven: Step-by-Step

Right, let's get cooking, yeah?

1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 5- 7 minutes , until softened. If you're using jalapeño, chuck it in during the last minute.
2. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Don't overcrowd the pot, or it'll steam instead of brown.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute , stirring constantly. This is called "blooming" the spices, and it makes a massive difference.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chicken broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
5. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning. More salt? More chili powder? It's your chili now, so make it your own!
7. Ladle into bowls and go wild with toppings.

Pro Tips & Tricks: Level Up Your Chili

Want to take your chicken chili recipe from good to amazing ? here are a few tricks i've learned over the years.

Bloom your spices. don't overcook the chicken. simmer time matters and adjust the heat. oh my gosh, this is delicious! like many stews and soups, this chili slow cooker tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Honestly . some folks swear by a dollop of sour cream, or maybe a sprinkle of cheddar. personally, i'm a cilantro fiend.

Sometimes i fancy a white bean chicken chili slow cooker version or even a white bean chicken chili recipe . this means i can prep it in the morning and come home to a ready meal.

Also i had a friend who preferred making white chicken chili recipe crockpot . another friend makes chili chicken recipe every time, she likes it with a chicken chili verde .

Sometimes, it feels right to add a bit of mexican street corn chicken chili soup , maybe even some mexican street corn white chili soup because.

.. why not?. the end results are always great! this makes for a chicken poblano chili , white chicken corn chili or even a corn white chicken chili .

So there you have it, my friend. my own spin of white chicken chili southern living ! give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment.

This slow cooker chicken chili is a keeper! honestly, it is one of the best white chicken chili with cilantro recipes.

Now go on, get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about this champion chicken chili recipe . This isn't just your average dish; it's a hug in a bowl!

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Chicken Chili

Want to make this chicken chili recipe even more amazing? then stick around! i've got some little nuggets of wisdom to share.

Honestly, these are the things i've learned over countless bowls of chili, and you'll thank me later.

Serving Suggestions: Go Beyond the Bowl!

Presentation matters, yeah? for plating, think about layers. a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce.

This white chicken chili with cilantro screams freshness! or, how about mexican street corn chicken chili soup ? get some grilled corn kernels for a sweet, smoky twist.

Serve with tortilla chips for dipping. trust me, chili chicken recipe just got an upgrade!

As for sides, cornbread is a classic. But have you ever tried it with a side of Mexican Street Corn White Chili Soup ? The sweetness balances the spice beautifully.

Storage Tips: Make It Last!

Got leftovers? lucky you! refrigerate your chicken chili crockpot for up to 3 days. make sure it's in an airtight container.

Want to freeze it? that's cool too. it'll keep for about 3 months. when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth if it's thickened too much.

A chili slow cooker recipe is even better the next day!

Variations: Make It Your Own!

Want to switch things up? why not try my white bean chicken chili recipe ? it's a bit milder but still packs a punch.

For a seasonal twist, add butternut squash in the autumn or sweetcorn in the summer. thinking about dietary needs? you can also try a pork white chili recipe .

It is gluten-free, naturally!

Nutrition Basics: Good For You!

This white bean chicken chili is packed with protein and fiber. win-win! it's also relatively low in fat if you use lean chicken.

Plus, the beans are great for your gut. so, not only is this chicken chili verde tasty, but it’s also pretty darn healthy!

So there you have it. Some extra tips and tricks to elevate your chicken chili recipe . Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this chicken chili recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!

No worries, adding some heat is easy! You can increase the amount of jalapeño, leaving some seeds in for extra fire. A pinch more cayenne pepper will also do the trick, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving is always a good shout. If you're feeling adventurous, a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce will give it a lovely smoky heat, reminiscent of a cheeky Nando's.

Can I make this chicken chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely, that's a brilliant idea for a busy week! Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers as instructed, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken with two forks before serving for extra tenderness. Imagine coming home to the aroma of this chili after a long day – pure comfort food bliss, like a Sunday roast without all the fuss!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken chili?

Leftover chicken chili is your best friend for easy lunches! Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating. It's like having a batch of your favorite takeaway ready when you are!

I'm trying to eat healthier. Can I make this chicken chili recipe lower in calories?

Definitely! Use leaner chicken breast and be mindful of the oil. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots to bulk it out without adding many calories. Using fat-free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping is another great way to cut back on fat. Think of it as a "skinny" version of your favorite comfort food, still satisfying but without the guilt!

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breast in this chicken chili recipe?

Of course! Ground chicken or turkey are perfectly acceptable and delicious substitutes. Brown the ground meat in the pot before adding the vegetables. This will add a slightly different texture and flavour profile, but it'll still be a cracking chicken chili. Just remember to drain off any excess fat after browning! It's like swapping your usual pint for a craft beer - a slight twist on a classic.

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