Santa Fe-Style Chicken Chili
Santa Fe-Style Chicken Chili offers a hearty, flavorful blend of spices, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners with a southwestern flair.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 8 minced medium garlic cloves ⓘ
- 4 medium red peppers, diced ⓘ
- 2 medium green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (13 3/4 oz) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 (19 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz) jar prepared salsa ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen corn kernels ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over high heat.
- Add minced garlic, diced red peppers, diced green peppers, and chopped onions; sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon, then pour in chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in chicken, drained and rinsed kidney beans, prepared salsa, and frozen corn kernels.
- Cover and increase heat to high; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium; simmer for 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in black pepper and salt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a handful of fresh cilantro just before serving. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with diced zucchini or mushrooms. You can also use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different texture. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Santa Fe-Style Chicken Chili with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Microwave Fiesta Lasagne for a delightful dinner. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices for added creaminess. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
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 the chili for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe-Style Chicken Chili contains roughly 474 calories, with 19g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Sauté the garlic and vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Is it possible to make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance, let it cool, and refrigerate. Just reheat before serving, and you'll have a quick meal ready to go.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with sides like cornbread or a crisp green salad. Consider pairing it with Chicken Chili Stew for a comforting meal that showcases diverse flavors.
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).