Chicken Chili
A hearty and flavorful chicken chili featuring tender chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of spices, all simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it offers a comforting, mildly spicy taste with cheesy richness, appealing to fans of southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 large can Northern beans ⓘ
- 2 lb boneless chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 small package corn ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 2 small onions ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 jar green salsa ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer chicken in water until tender, then cut into cubes and reserve the broth.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Saute chopped onions and garlic in the oil.
- Add green salsa, ground cumin, oregano, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper; saute for 2 minutes.
- Add the Northern beans, corn, and reserved chicken broth to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and grated cheese; heat until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end. If you're looking for a lower-calorie alternative, substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast. You can also use canned chicken or turkey for a faster prep. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Quick Enchiladas for a complete Mexican-themed dinner. Don't forget to provide tortilla chips for dipping!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave portions in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Chili contains roughly 1124 calories, with 34g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value), and calcium (146% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 473mg per serving (21% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Northern beans with black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans based on your preference. Each type will give a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination!
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce to boost the flavor without altering the overall consistency of the chili.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker, including the cooked chicken, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time in the kitchen.
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).