Chicken, Beans And Rice Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili combining tender chicken, beans, and rice in a mildly spicy tomato base. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a satisfying blend of protein, grains, and vegetables with a touch of heat from hot sauce and chili powder.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 to 2 lb. boneless chicken breast, skinned and cut into 1/2 inch pieces ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 c. stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 to 8 drops of hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. kidney or red beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken; cook for 5 to 10 minutes until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
- Add chopped onion; cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in remaining ingredients: rice, stewed tomatoes, hot pepper sauce, chicken broth, water, kidney or red beans, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, increase the hot pepper sauce or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use extra beans and vegetable broth instead of chicken. Make sure to rinse the beans well to remove excess sodium. For quicker prep, use pre-cooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Chicken Fajitas or a side of cornbread for a hearty meal. You can also top it with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips for a fun twist. Consider pairing it with a light salad for freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the chili appears too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Beans And Rice Chili contains roughly 398 calories, with 11g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 881mg per serving (38% 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 canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned kidney or red beans to save time. Just make sure to rinse them under cold water to reduce sodium content before adding them to the chili. Canned beans are already cooked, so they only need to be heated through during the cooking process.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and flavors develop over time. You can make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to keep the toppings separate until serving for optimal freshness.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, start with fewer drops of hot pepper sauce and taste as you go. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat. Additionally, using mild stewed tomatoes instead of regular can help tone down the overall spice in the dish.
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).