This hearty, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and robust black beans in a perfectly spiced tomato base. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Dice the chicken, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This is the perfect time to pour yourself a glass of wine and put on your favorite cooking playlist!
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Stir to coat the chicken and onions, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Build the chili: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, white beans, and black beans. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili will thicken as it cooks.
- Season to perfection: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away!
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot chili into bowls and let everyone top their own with their favorite garnishes.
Spice Level and Customization
This recipe is designed to have a medium spice level, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat without overwhelming the palate. If you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Chili with a variety of toppings to let everyone customize their bowl. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for scooping and crunching! A squeeze of lime adds a bright, zesty finish that really makes the flavors pop.
Tips and Tricks
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot.
- This chili tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!
- Freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy weeknights.
Let’s Get Cooking!
I hope this Chicken Chili recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your home as it has to mine. It’s the perfect dish for gathering friends and family around the table, sharing stories, and creating warm memories.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and tag us on social media using #CozyChickenChili.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious aromas and laughter!
