If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that packs a punch of flavor yet stays light and healthy, this Ground Chicken Chili Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines lean ground chicken with vibrant veggies, smoky spices, and hearty beans to create a chili that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a chili veteran or trying something new, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of bold flavors and nourishing ingredients that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key, and this Ground Chicken Chili Recipe is surprisingly simple while using essential staples that build layers of flavor, texture, and color in your bowl.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity richness to the chili.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that melds beautifully with spices.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a vibrant pop of color and slight sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Provides that unmistakable savory depth that makes every bite better.
- Kosher salt: Essential to enhance all the other flavors and balance the dish.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth that lifts the overall aroma.
- Ground cumin: Grounds the chili with earthy, nutty notes typical of classic chilis.
- Chili powder: Adds subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and sharpens the flavor profile.
- Ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that keeps this chili lighter but just as satisfying.
- Chicken stock: Creates a rich, savory broth that ties all the ingredients together.
- Kidney beans: Contribute heartiness and a creamy texture to the chili.
- Black beans: Add extra protein and a delicious contrast in color and taste.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Infuse smoky, tangy notes that brighten the dish.
How to Make Ground Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness. This aromatic base is what sets a flavorful stage for the rest of the chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — your kitchen will instantly smell irresistible. Then sprinkle in kosher salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper. Stir constantly for about a minute to toast the spices just enough to amplify their flavors without burning.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken
Toss in the ground chicken and use the back of your spoon to break it apart. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned. This step is crucial as browning adds a lovely caramelized layer that enriches the overall taste and texture of the chili.
Step 4: Add Stock, Beans, and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken stock along with drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Finally, add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, including their smoky juices. Stir everything well and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken. Then, remove the lid, stir, and continue simmering uncovered for another 15 minutes to reduce the chili further, intensifying the flavors and thickening the texture.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Your Ground Chicken Chili Recipe is ready to be enjoyed immediately, but it also stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if you want to savor it later.
How to Serve Ground Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl of chili with some fresh garnishes like a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or chopped green onions. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can add a refreshing brightness. Each of these touches not only enhances flavor but creates an inviting texture contrast alongside the hearty chili.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up its rich juices. Think warm cornbread, crusty bread rolls, or even fluffy rice. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies make for a balanced plate, adding lightness to offset the chili’s comforting warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve this Ground Chicken Chili Recipe atop baked sweet potatoes for a rustic, wholesome meal. Alternatively, use it as a filling for tacos or create chili-stuffed bell peppers. It’s versatile and always delicious, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Chicken Chili Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever you need a quick, hearty meal.
Reheating
Reheat chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground chicken in this chili?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield a similarly lean and flavorful chili. Just keep an eye while browning as turkey tends to cook quickly.
How spicy is this Ground Chicken Chili Recipe?
This chili has a mild to moderate heat level, thanks to just a touch of chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by adding cayenne pepper or fresh chilies if you want more kick.
Is this chili suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. This chili stores and freezes well, making it an ideal, hearty dish to prepare in advance for busy days.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! After browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours for an even more tender and developed flavor.
What toppings do you recommend?
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro work beautifully. For extra texture, add crushed tortilla chips or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken Chili Recipe is a warm hug in a bowl — easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully adaptable for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, gather up those ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure of flavors. You’re in for a treat!
Print
Ground Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Ground Chicken Chili recipe is a flavorful and nutritious twist on classic chili, featuring lean ground chicken, a medley of beans, and a smoky blend of spices. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it simmers gently to develop deep flavors in a comforting, protein-packed bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 14 ounces (1 can) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces (1 can) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 14 ounces (1 can) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add kosher salt, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper. Stir well and sauté for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Add ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with the back of a spoon. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in chicken stock, then add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Remove lid, stir, then continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the chili.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for a flavorful meal later.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Ground turkey or lean beef can be used as alternatives to ground chicken.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to reduce overall sodium content.
- This chili pairs well with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or chopped cilantro.
- Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
