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Melanie's Chicken Chili Recipe

Tired of the same old chili? Melanie's Chicken Chili is a vibrant, customizable recipe that lets you unleash your inner chef! Inspired by a beloved family recipe, this version uses chicken for a lighter twist, allowing you to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. No two batches are ever alike, making it perfect for experimenting with different flavors and spice levels. Ditch the canned chilies and their artificial flavors – this recipe prioritizes fresh, bold tastes. Get ready for a hearty, flavorful chili that's perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends! This recipe is a celebration of culinary freedom – your pantry is your playground!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 126.4 kcal
Protein 19g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Melanie's Chicken Chili 96

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Melanie's Chicken Chili

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Corn
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Pinto Beans
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • Red Onion
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
  • Serrano Pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Cornmeal
  • shredded cheese, for garnish
  • Olive Oil
  • Adobo Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Mexican Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper

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How to Make Melanie's Chicken Chili

  1. Brown 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Add 1 large onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced, to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in 1 green bell pepper, chopped, and 1 red bell pepper, chopped, and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 (15 ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1 teaspoon salt.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
  6. Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or more, to taste) before serving.
  7. Garnish with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or chopped green onions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

7g

Fat

6g

Carbs

4g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Chicken Recipes American Healthy Fall Recipes Game Day Recipes One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion For Large Groups Main Dish Soups Stews Poultry Holiday Event Chili Chicken Meat Superbowl Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less