Quick Chicken Chili
A quick and flavorful chicken chili featuring tender chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, and chili seasoning, perfect for a comforting and spicy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, undrained diced tomatoes with garlic and onion, and chili seasoning mix in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until chicken is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you don't have chili seasoning mix, you can create a blend using cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. For a heartier chili, add black beans or kidney beans. This recipe is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken; just reduce the cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Quick Chicken Chili with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Tex-Mex Rice, making for a complete meal. For a larger gathering, consider serving it alongside Richard'S Chicken Enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chicken Chili contains roughly 325 calories, with 22g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value). At about 325 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time slightly, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I add to make the chili thicker?
To thicken the chili, you can add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina during cooking. Another option is to mash some of the beans if you decide to include them, which will naturally thicken the chili.
Is this chili suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness.
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).