Erin'S Chicken Chili
A hearty and flavorful chicken chili infused with spices, peppers, beans, and a splash of beer, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners craving bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 large clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 medium-sized peppers ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- chicken as desired ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 2 (14.5 to 16 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (15 to 16 oz.) cans kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 (15 to 16 oz.) cans Mexican style chili beans ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can beer ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop peppers and onion and mash garlic.
- In a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat with hot oil, cook peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.
- Add chicken, chili powder, sugar, and ground red pepper. Cook until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add stewed tomatoes with their liquid, beans with their liquid, and green chilies with their liquid.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, add the can of beer (you may drink some first), and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the chili. If you prefer a milder dish, use bell peppers instead of spicier varieties. You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. Ensure all canned ingredients are low-sodium to keep the dish healthier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chicken chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Mary'S Tortilla Chicken for a complete Mexican-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the chili thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Erin'S Chicken Chili contains roughly 1185 calories, with 21g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% 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 fresh chicken instead of canned or pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink before adding other ingredients. This might take a bit longer, but it will enhance the flavor of your chili.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar can help balance the heat. You can also add more beans or tomatoes to dilute the spiciness.
Can I freeze the chili for later use?
Yes, this chicken chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).