Arizona Chicken Chili
Arizona Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender diced chicken simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce with black beans, corn, and fresh cilantro or green onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, it offers bold southwestern flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, tomatoes, and chili powder in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is done and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Add drained black beans or kidney beans and whole kernel corn to the saucepan.
- Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika. If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can substitute chicken with turkey for a leaner option. Canned beans can be replaced with cooked dried beans for a fresher taste. This Arizona Chicken Chili is versatile and can be customized to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Arizona Chicken Chili with warm cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with extra cilantro or green onions for freshness. Pair it with a side of tortilla chips for added crunch, or enjoy it alongside a refreshing salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with recipes like Quick Enchiladas for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the chili thickens, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Chicken Chili contains roughly 599 calories, with 43g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (679% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can add the frozen chicken directly to the pot, but be sure to increase the cooking time until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with additional beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often intensify after a day, making it even more delicious. Just reheat before serving, and feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).