Ground Chicken Chili: A Flavorful and Healthy Recipe

This hearty and healthy ground chicken chili recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend meal prep session. It's packed with flavor, relatively low in fat compared to beef chili, and easily customizable to your taste preferences. This guide will walk you through creating a delicious ground chicken chili that's sure to become a family favorite. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, optimizing for both taste and SEO.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Ground Chicken Chili

Before we dive into the cooking process, let's gather the ingredients. This recipe serves 6-8 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• 1.5 lbs Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken is preferred for a healthier chili.
• 1 large Onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The foundation of your chili.
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds fiber and protein.
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds more fiber and a different texture.
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained: Provides heat and flavor. You can adjust this based on your spice preference.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: A cornerstone of chili flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds heat; adjust to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon oregano: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the spices.
• Chicken broth (as needed): Use to adjust the consistency of your chili.
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions.

Step-by-Step Ground Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground chicken over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. This step significantly enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, kidney beans, and black beans to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Add chicken broth as needed to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious ground chicken chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions.

Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Chili

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
• Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Pinto beans or black-eyed peas are great alternatives.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Freezing: This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.

SEO Keywords Used:

ground chicken chili, chili recipe, healthy chili recipe, easy chili recipe, ground chicken, chili, recipe, cooking, dinner recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy dinner, flavorful chili, best chili recipe, simple chili recipe, make ahead chili

This comprehensive guide provides a delicious and SEO-optimized recipe for ground chicken chili, ensuring high visibility in search engine results. Remember to promote your blog post through social media and other online channels to further enhance its reach.