Mike'S Chicken Chili
Mike's Chicken Chili offers a hearty, flavorful dish with tender shredded chicken simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce, enhanced by chili powder, cumin, and Worcestershire. Perfect for cold days or casual gatherings, it's a comforting meal that develops richer flavors overnight, appealing to chili lovers and family dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb. chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers ⓘ
- 16 oz. can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. can chili beans ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 pint water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- Tabasco sauce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the chicken until done, then cool and pull off the bone.
- Add diced onion, diced green peppers, water, and crushed tomatoes to a pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for an additional hour, preferably allowing flavors to meld overnight.
- Serve hot, with optional Tabasco sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the chicken first before boiling. You can substitute canned beans with your favorite variety, like black beans or pinto beans. If you prefer a spicier chili, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. For an easy side, serve with Fancy Hash Browns to soak up the chili's flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese. It pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple salad or some grilled vegetables. This dish also complements a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Chicken Chili contains roughly 255 calories, with 14g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (142% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly. You may need to adjust the boiling time, as frozen chicken typically takes longer to cook. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a variety of beans such as kidney beans and black beans. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if my chili is too thick?
If your chili turns out too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to incorporate the extra liquid.
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).