If you are craving a comforting, filling, and flavor-packed meal, you have to try this Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe. It’s a soul-warming dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant spices, beans, and fresh veggies, making every spoonful a delightful experience. Perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is straightforward yet delivers layers of rich, satisfying flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients—they each bring something essential to the table, crafting a chili with perfect balance in taste, texture, and color. From aromatic spices to wholesome proteins, these components come together to create a dish that is anything but ordinary.

1 lb ground chicken: Lean and tender, it forms a lighter base while soaking up all the spices beautifully.
1 onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that punch of savory aroma that makes chili utterly irresistible.
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color): Brings a subtle crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a slight tang, balancing the richness.
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Offers hearty texture and protein, making it a substantial meal.
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, thick base that holds all the ingredients together.
2 tablespoons chili powder: The warm, smoky spice blend that defines this chili.
1 teaspoon cumin: Infuses a subtle earthiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a sweet-smoky touch and a beautiful reddish hue.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it helps lock in flavor and provides a silky mouthfeel.
1 cup chicken broth (or water): Keeps the chili moist and adds savory depth.
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): A refreshing herbaceous note to brighten your bowl.

How to Make Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking them gently until they soften—this creates a sweet, flavorful base that’s absolutely crucial. Then add the minced garlic and allow its fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen for about a minute.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Next, add your ground chicken to the pot. Break it apart with a sturdy spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly. This step builds rich flavor through caramelization. Cook for around 5 to 7 minutes until it’s no longer pink. If any excess liquid or fat appears, carefully drain it off to keep your chili from getting too greasy.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Now for the magic touch: sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir them into the meat and veggies, letting the spices toast for a couple of minutes. This step unlocks their fullest flavors, ensuring a warm, aromatic chili experience.

Step 4: Combine the Rest of the Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients blend into a beautiful, hearty mixture full of color and texture.

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Bring your chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking melds all the flavors together and thickens the chili to just the right consistency. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust the seasoning as needed.

How to Serve Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe

Garnishes

Tossing fresh cilantro over your chili just before serving adds a pop of freshness that makes every bite lively and bright. If you love creamy textures, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese also pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe shines when served with fluffy white rice, warm crusty bread for dipping, or crispy tortilla chips that add a fun crunch. Feel free to mix things up depending on your mood or what’s on hand.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing meal, serve the chili in bread bowls or layered over baked potatoes. You can also turn it into a taco filling or spoon it over nachos for a game day treat. The possibilities are endless and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your chili, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe freezes like a dream! Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing.

Reheating

When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge or reheat directly in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute. It has a similar mild flavor and texture that absorbs spices just as well.

Is this chili spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

This chili has a warm, comforting spice level that isn’t overpowering. Feel free to add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you want it hotter, or reduce the spices for a milder version.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

What if I want a vegetarian option?

Swap the ground chicken for extra beans or lentils, and maybe add some diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for an all-vegetarian chili.

How can I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?

Simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to let excess liquid evaporate. Alternatively, stir in a small amount of tomato paste or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it to your liking.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with this Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, packed with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors to nourish both body and soul. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with the people you love!

Hearty Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe

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4 from 38 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty Chili Con Carne recipe features ground beef simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and kidney beans, creating a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any meal. Serve it with rice, bread, or tortilla chips for a satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

Tomato and Beans

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup beef broth (or water)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
Brown meat: Add ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
Add spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the browned meat and vegetables. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavors.
Combine ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the components evenly.
Simmer: Bring the chili mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Serve: Spoon the hot chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy with rice, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Notes

To make this dish leaner, substitute ground turkey for beef.
For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
If you prefer spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Kidney beans can be swapped for black beans or pinto beans as preferred.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican