Tailgating Chicken Chili
A hearty, flavorful chicken chili with creamy half and half, tender beans, and spicy chilies, perfect for tailgating or casual gatherings with a smoky, cheesy kick.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb dried navy beans ⓘ
- 1 large chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 oz unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups half and half ⓘ
- 1 tsp Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp white pepper ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz) cans drained and chopped chilies ⓘ
- 5 skinless boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the navy beans overnight in cold water, then drain.
- Pour beans into a pan and cover with 2 inches of cold water, then simmer until tender and drain.
- Sauté chopped onion in 4 tablespoons of butter until soft.
- Melt remaining butter in a separate heavy pan.
- Stir in cooked onions, then add chicken broth and half and half, whisking constantly.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in Tabasco, chili powder, cumin, salt, and white pepper.
- Add cooked beans, drained chilies, chicken breasts, and grated Monterey Jack cheese.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.
- Stir sour cream into the chili before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Tailgating Chicken Chili, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with diced zucchini or mushrooms and increase the beans. For a spicier kick, add extra Tabasco or diced jalapeños. Remember to soak the beans overnight for optimal texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Tailgating Chicken Chili with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. Consider serving alongside a light salad or some guacamole to balance the flavors. This dish is perfect for game day gatherings or casual family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tailgating Chicken Chili contains roughly 1202 calories, with 20g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (81% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2344mg per serving (102% 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 canned beans instead of dried navy beans?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the chili. Add them in step 8, reducing the overall cooking time to ensure they are heated through without becoming mushy.
Is there a way to make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the mixture. For extra heat, consider using a spicy chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chili.
What can I serve with this chili?
Tailgating Chicken Chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even over a bed of rice. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad or some sliced avocado. You can also offer toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, and fresh cilantro for guests to customize their bowls.
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).