Microwave Chicken Chilli
A hearty and flavorful microwave chicken chili with beans, vegetables, and spices, perfect for quick, satisfying meals for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 14 1/2 oz can no-salt whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 8 oz can no-salt tomato sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz can no-salt whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped chicken or turkey
- 1 Tbsp packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dry mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole, combine chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic; cover and cook on High for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Add kidney beans, whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained corn, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chopped chicken, brown sugar, chili powder, and dry mustard to the casserole.
- Cover the casserole.
- Reduce microwave power to 70% and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring twice during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can work as great substitutes. To save time, pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as microwaves may vary in power.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Chilli with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Dinner Chicken Casserole for a comforting meal spread. Consider serving with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Chicken Chilli contains roughly 379 calories, with 6g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add more beans or some diced zucchini and bell peppers for extra vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of the chicken to enhance the flavors without compromising the dish's integrity.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, increase or decrease the chili powder according to your taste. You can also add diced hot peppers or a splash of hot sauce for more heat. Remember to taste as you go to ensure it meets your desired spice level.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish the day you plan to cook it. Just store the chopped vegetables and chicken separately in the refrigerator. This can help save time and allow the flavors to meld together nicely before cooking.
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).