Ground Chicken Chili Recipe
This Ground Chicken Chili Recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and bold spices, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or just need a one-pot dinner in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.
Instructions
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with liquid)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips for added crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir until the chicken is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables with the spices.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir well. Add the kidney beans and black beans, making sure everything is mixed together.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer a bit longer or mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the mixture.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
Notes
Pro Tip: Double the batch and freeze half for an easy meal on another night!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
- Prep Ahead: Chop the vegetables and pre-cook the ground chicken over the weekend to make assembly a breeze on weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Use one large pot for the entire process to minimize clean-up.
- Freezing Tip: This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in individual portions for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners.