When it comes to comfort food, chili is at the top of my list, and my three-bean chicken chili is a delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Savory, rich and spicy this mouth-watering Chicken Chili is perfect for busy weeknights or game day get-togethers.
As a native Texan, I admit this isn’t traditional chili, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious. And as times change, so do recipes.
True cowboy chili would not include any beans. They were always served on the side. But honestly, I like beans in my chili. Everyone loves kidney beans, but I like to break up the monotony of one-bean chili by adding a few of my favorites.
One of the great joys of Chicken Chili (or your favorite chili) is adding topping!
Some of my favorite toppings are:
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped onions
- green chilies
- Jalapeno, Poblano Peppers or Habenero peppers
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice
- Crispy tortilla strips
I have a friend that likes to make burritos with this chili and adds a layer of cream cheese to the tortilla. It sounds strange, but it was pretty darn delicious! So have fun with your toppings.
Ingredients to make Chicken Chilli
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Three-Bean Chicken Chili. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”
Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
*If you want to add a little more heat to the chili, add more chili powder, hot sauce or a little bit of cayenne pepper to the chili while it is cooking.
What kind of beans can I use to make Chili?
Using your favorite beans is part of the fun of making chili, I like to use three of four different types. But if you’re a purist and what to make White Bean Chicken chili, then stick with Great Northern Beans.
Some of my favorite beans are:
- Cannellini beans (white beans)
- Pinto beans
- Chili beans (pinto beans in chili sauce)
- Kidney beans
- Black beans
How to make Chicken Chili
- In a large skillet (Dutch oven or pot) add the chopped onions, chopped garlic cloves, and olive oil.
- Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until the onions are softened and aromatic.
- Add the brown sugar to the pot.
- Mix until well blended and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
I use a little bourbon in my chili and if you’d like to add it this is the time to do it. When adding any alcohol make sure it doesn’t go near open flames. Remove the pan from the burner. After adding, allow the alcohol to burn off for a minute before continuing.
- Add ground meat and begin the browning process. You may need to add additional olive oil.
- Brown all the meat continuously stirring to break up the meat. (you may find a heavy wire whisk helpful in breaking up the chunks)
- When the meat is browned, add the seasonings (remember you can always add more after its cooked).
- Mix the seasons in until well blended.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, and beans to the mixture.
- Mix well and reduce the heat to simmer and allow to simmer for 1 – 2 hours. Stir as needed so it won’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
*If the chili starts to get too thick you can add additional water to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and re-season to your taste.
When the Chicken Chili is ready serve it up along with all of your favorite sides, hot sauce, and toasted flour tortillas.
Now this is a bowlful of deliciousness! This would make a delicious weeknight dinner and can be made in your slow cooker or crockpot for game day get togethers.
*Blend in a little heavy cream or sour cream for Creamy Chicken Chili.
Recipe FAQ’s
I use corn masa to thicken my chili. You can also use cornmeal, pureed beans, flour or cornstarch to thicken the chili. Letting it cook longer to reduce the liquids will also thicken the chili.
Either will work, whether its beef chili or chicken chili. Chicken broth is a little milder and will add flavor without overpowering the dish.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Three Bean Chicken Chili
Savory, rich, and spicy my mouth-watering Chicken Chili is perfect for busy weeknights or game day get-togethers.
Servings: 8
Calories: 436kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 ounces bourbon optional
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces chili pinto beans regular pinto beans can be used instead
- 15 ounces cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 24 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces chicken broth
- 2 tbsp corn masa or fine cornmeal
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp sea salt or two keys
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Instructions
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In a large skillet (Dutch oven or pot) add the chopped onions, garlic, and olive oil.
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Let the mixture cook for a few minutes until the onions are softened and aromatic.
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Add brown sugar to the pot. Mix until well blended and continue cooking for 2 minutes.*I use a little bourbon in my chili and if you’d like to add it this is the time to do it. When adding any alcohol make sure it doesn’t go near open flames. Remove the pan from the burner. After adding the bourbon, allow the alcohol to burn off for a minute before continuing.
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Add ground chicken and begin the browning process. You may need to add additional olive oil.
-
Cook all the meat, continuously stirring to break up the meat. (you may find a heavy wire whisk helpful in breaking up the chunks)
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When the meat is cooked begin adding in your seasonings (remember you can always add more after its cooked for a while)
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Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, and beans to the mixture, mixing well to combine all of the ingredients.
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Reduce the heat to simmer and allow to simmer for 1 – 2 hours. Stir as needed so it won’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
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*If the chili starts to get too thick you can add additional water to achieve the desired consistency.
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Taste and re-season to your taste.
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Serve with your favorite toppings and hot sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 32g | Dish: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1420mg | Potassium: 1394mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1103IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 7mg