ground chicken chili recipe
The Best ground chicken chili recipe
Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever ground chicken I’ve got on hand, whether it’s from the store or leftovers from a meal. The spices in this recipe aren’t overly complicated, but they really bring the dish together, making it feel special without requiring fancy techniques. It’s also a lighter option than traditional chili made with beef, since chicken is leaner and still packed with protein. That means it’s a good choice for meal prep, too—you can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze portions for later. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to adjust, too—swap in black beans for more fiber, add some diced bell peppers if you like extra crunch, or even throw in a handful of corn for a sweet twist. It’s versatile enough to fit into a busy week or a relaxed weekend, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Ground Chicken Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili made with ground chicken, packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large pot, cook the ground chicken over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. -
2
Add diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. -
3
Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Pour in broth. -
4
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and beans are tender. -
5
Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
🔧Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Ground Chicken Chili Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Chicken Chili
How do I adjust the spice level in this ground chicken chili?
You can easily tweak the heat by adding or omitting chili powder, cayenne, or a pinch of smoked paprika. If you prefer milder flavor, reduce the amount of these seasonings by half. For extra heat, increase by a quarter or add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers while cooking.
Can I use frozen ground chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen ground chicken works perfectly. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then drain any excess moisture from the pan before adding it to the chili. Frozen chicken may release slightly more fat, so you might need to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes.
What’s the best way to serve this chili for a crowd?
For a crowd, double the recipe and serve it in bowls with toppings on the side. Classic add-ons include shredded cheese, chopped avocado, sour cream, diced onions, and cilantro. For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cumin or serve with warm cornbread or tortilla chips.
How can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
To convert this recipe vegan, replace ground chicken with 1 lb textured vegetable protein (TVP) or 1 lb crumbled tempeh, rehydrated according to package instructions. Add a splash of vegetable broth to help bind the chili. For vegetarian, use 1 lb lean ground beef or 1 lb ground turkey instead. Adjust seasoning slightly, as plant-based proteins may require extra salt or acid (like lime juice) to balance flavors.
