This Green Chili Chicken Chili is a warm and tasty dish that brightens up any meal. It’s packed with tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and flavorful spices!
I love how comforting this chili is, especially on chilly days. It’s perfect served with some crunchy tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream. You can’t go wrong!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing vegetables. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use canola or vegetable oil. Both are neutral in flavor.
Onion: A medium diced onion adds depth. Shallots can be a good substitute for a milder taste.
Chicken: For convenience, use rotisserie chicken. You can also swap it out for turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
Green Chilies: Canned green chilies are perfect for a quick meal. If you want more heat, use jalapeños or fresh green chili peppers.
Beans: While white beans (like Great Northerns) work well, you can switch to black beans or chickpeas based on your taste.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this chili.
How Do I Make Sure My Chili is Flavorful?
To ensure your chili is bursting with flavor, it’s essential to season well at each step. As you sauté the onions and celery, add a pinch of salt to draw out moisture and enhance their flavors.
- After adding the broth, taste it before simmering. Adjust seasonings like cumin and chili powder as needed.
- Simmering is crucial; it lets all the flavors blend beautifully. Don’t rush this step!
Remember, you can always add more seasoning but can’t take it away, so adjust gradually!
Green Chili Chicken Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 to 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies (mild or hot depending on preference)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Chili Chicken Chili takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a warm and hearty dish to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned, so keep an eye on it!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked chicken, diced green chilies, diced tomatoes (with their juices), white beans, corn, and the chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together so it’s well combined.
4. Season the Chili:
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything again to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Cook the Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil and then lower the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully! Stir occasionally, and taste it along the way to adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chili is ready, scoop it into bowls and garnish with diced avocado and chopped cilantro. If you like, serve lime wedges and tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch and zesty flavor. Enjoy your cozy bowl of Green Chili Chicken Chili!
This dish is sure to be a hit, packed full of flavor and warmth!
Can I Use Fresh Chicken Instead of Cooked?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with raw chicken, simply dice it into small pieces and sauté it with the onions and celery for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, consider using hot diced green chilies, adding some fresh jalapeños, or sprinkling in a bit of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months! Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize the chili with additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the other ingredients.
