Tex-Mex Chili Chicken
A vibrant Tex-Mex chili chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for tacos or wraps, packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat in a skillet.
- Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, then remove from the skillet.
- Add remaining oil, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and finely chopped garlic to the skillet. Saute until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, water, chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook the mixture for 1 minute, stirring well.
- Return the browned chicken to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chili chicken in tortillas with cheese and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you don't have chili powder, a mix of paprika and cayenne can work as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or use Chickenless Chicken Enchiladas for a similar taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Tex-Mex Chili Chicken in warm tortillas, garnished with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a delightful finish. This dish pairs well with Mexican rice or a fresh avocado salad. For a unique twist, try serving it alongside Sweet And Spicy Chicken for a varied flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tex-Mex Chili Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the chicken's tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Chili Chicken contains roughly 420 calories, with 18g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (176% of the Daily Value), and calcium (130% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2280mg per serving (99% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used, but it's recommended to thaw them first for even cooking. You can defrost them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I add to make the chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the tomato sauce mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste. Remember to adjust gradually to achieve your desired spice level.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To make this Tex-Mex Chili Chicken healthier, you can use skinless chicken breasts and reduce the amount of oil used. Additionally, serve it with whole wheat tortillas and load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and bell peppers as toppings for added nutrients.
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).