Super Easy Chicken Chili: A Delicious Weeknight Meal

Chicken chili is a fantastic, flavorful, and filling meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This recipe focuses on simplicity and speed, using readily available ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying chili in under an hour. Forget complicated recipes with endless steps – this version is truly super easy, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of comfort food that’s both healthy and delicious!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe lives up to its name. With minimal prep time and simple instructions, you can have a delicious chili on the table in under an hour.
* **Flavorful:** Don’t let the ease fool you! This chili is packed with flavor from the combination of chicken, beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your taste. Add more spice, different beans, or your favorite toppings.
* **Healthy:** A great source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses inexpensive ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this super easy chicken chili:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 – 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner chili, while chicken thighs will add more richness and flavor. You can also use ground chicken for an even faster cooking time.
* **Canned Beans:** Two 15-ounce cans of beans. Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of your favorites work well. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the chili.
* **Canned Tomatoes:** One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes provide a smooth and rich base for the chili.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Diced tomatoes add texture and a bit of sweetness.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped. Onion provides a foundational savory flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 2-3 cups of chicken broth. Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the chili. Adjust the amount depending on your desired consistency.
* **Chili Seasoning:** 2-3 tablespoons of chili seasoning. Use your favorite store-bought blend or make your own (recipe below!).
* **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Corn (canned or frozen), bell peppers (chopped), jalapeños (minced), cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (for extra spice).

### Homemade Chili Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own chili seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your super easy chicken chili:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (Choose one of the methods below)**

* **Method 1: Shredded Chicken (Slow Cooker/Instant Pot)**

* Place chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
* Add 1 cup of chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of chili seasoning.
* **Slow Cooker:** Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is easily shredded.
* **Instant Pot:** Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
* Remove chicken from the cooker and shred with two forks. Set aside.
* **Method 2: Diced Chicken (Stovetop)**
* Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics (Stovetop)**

* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

**Step 3: Combine Ingredients (Stovetop)**

* If using the diced chicken method, add the cubed chicken to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
* Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, shredded chicken (if using Method 1), remaining chili seasoning, and chicken broth to the pot.
* Stir well to combine all ingredients.

**Step 4: Simmer (Stovetop)**

* Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
* Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more chili seasoning, salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to taste.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

## Topping Ideas

Chili is all about the toppings! Here are some delicious topping ideas to customize your bowl:

* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds a creamy and tangy element.
* **Avocado:** Diced or sliced avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture.
* **Green Onions:** Chopped green onions add a fresh and mild onion flavor.
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
* **Tortilla Chips:** Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy texture.
* **Lime Wedges:** A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors.
* **Jalapeños:** Sliced or pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
* **Hot Sauce:** Your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** For a burst of fresh tomato flavor.
* **Red Onion:** Adds a sharp bite.

## Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning and cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, use less chili seasoning and omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier chili, add more chili seasoning, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Add Vegetables:** Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or carrots.
* **Use Different Beans:** Experiment with different types of beans like great northern beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more beans or vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Slow Cooker Variation:** Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
* **Instant Pot Variation:** Combine all ingredients in an Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
* **Thicken the Chili:** If your chili is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water.
* **Thin the Chili:** If your chili is too thick, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
* **Make it Ahead:** Chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze it:** Chili freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken chili is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more satisfying:

* **With Cornbread:** Serve with a warm slice of cornbread for a classic chili pairing.
* **Over Rice:** Spoon the chili over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal.
* **With a Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
* **In a Bread Bowl:** Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with chili for a fun and festive presentation.
* **As Nachos:** Use the chili as a topping for nachos.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 10-20 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fiber: 10-15 grams per serving

## Conclusion

This super easy chicken chili recipe is a weeknight winner! It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and customizable to your taste. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of chili in no time. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own signature chili!
Enjoy!