Easy Chicken Chili
A hearty and flavorful chicken chili with tender chicken, green chilies, and beans, perfect for a comforting meal that suits busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- Cooking spray ⓘ
- 2 cans (14-1/2 oz each) chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cans (16 oz each) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan coated with cooking spray, sauté chopped onion over medium heat until tender.
- Add remaining ingredients: chicken broth, beans, chopped green chilies, cooked chicken, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, oregano, and cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker chili, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. If you want to spice things up, try adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can substitute Great Northern beans with black beans or kidney beans if preferred. Fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors, so squeeze some on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Chicken Chili pairs beautifully with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro on top. Serve it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger spread featuring other Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Chili contains roughly 1337 calories, with 28g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1912mg per serving (83% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken; just dice it and add it to the pot with the onions. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink, then proceed with the other ingredients and adjust cooking time as needed.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, replace the chicken with additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Can I freeze this chicken chili?
Yes, this chicken chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
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).