Ultimate Hot Chicken Chili Recipe

Are you searching for a dish that truly delivers on flavor and heat? Discover our ultimate Hot Chicken Chili recipe, a robust and spicy chicken chili perfect for any occasion. This hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight meal is designed to satisfy your cravings. It’s ideal for chili lovers who crave a significant kick and comforting warmth in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chicken Chili

This Hot Chicken Chili offers incredible depth of flavor and a satisfying spice level that will awaken your taste buds.

• It’s a fantastic one-pot recipe, meaning minimal cleanup and more time for you to enjoy your evening.
• You can easily customize the heat level, making it perfect for every palate, from mild to extra fiery.
• This dish is a true crowd-placer, providing hearty comfort food that feeds a family or a gathering of friends.
• Preparing this delicious Hot Chicken Chili is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy parents and beginners alike.
• Its rich, savory broth and tender shredded chicken make it an unforgettable spicy chicken stew.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Hot Chicken Chili starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and heat. You’ll need a mix of protein, aromatics, spices, liquids, and beans, all combining for a truly delicious Hot Chicken Chili.

• Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These cook directly in the chili and shred easily for tender results.
• Aromatics: 1/3 cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less spice), 2 yellow onions chopped, 5 cloves fresh garlic minced. These form the flavorful base of your chili.
• Spices: 2 tablespoons cumin, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons coriander. These ground spices provide the core chili flavor profile.
• Liquids: 4 cups chicken broth, 1-2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. These create a rich, savory broth that carries all the flavors.
• Tomatoes: 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 small cans of green chilies. Tomatoes add tang and body, while green chilies layer in mild heat.
• Beans: 3 14.5 ounce cans Great Northern beans, 2 14.5 ounce cans Black beans. Canned beans make this recipe quick and easy, adding fiber and texture.
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt and pepper, plus more to taste. Essential for balancing all the bold flavors.
• Fresh: 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish and flavor). Brightens the dish with a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes & Substitutions

Adjust the amount of jalapeños, or leave seeds in, to reach your desired level of heat. You can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts; they offer a slightly richer flavor and stay incredibly moist. Feel free to use different canned beans like kidney or pinto beans if those are your preference. For an extra layer of smoky depth, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika alongside the other spices, enhancing the overall aroma.

Equipment

You’ll appreciate how little specialized equipment this recipe requires, keeping things simple and beginner-friendly.

• A large Dutch oven or stockpot is essential for simmering your chili to perfection, ensuring even cooking.
• You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping all your fresh ingredients safely and efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts for consistent results every time you make this dish.
• Two forks will be handy later for easily shredding the tender cooked chicken right in the pot.

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Hot Chicken Chili is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a hearty and satisfying meal that comes together with ease.

1. Prep Ingredients: Start by meticulously chopping your onions and jalapeños into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Then, measure out all your spices and have the canned ingredients ready to go and opened. This careful preparation ensures a smooth cooking process for your Hot Chicken Chili.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In your large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and jalapeños. Sauté them for about 8 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet, aromatic foundation for the chili.
3. Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and coriander to the pot. Allow them to cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This crucial step toasts the spices, significantly enhancing their flavor profile for the chili.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Now, add all the other ingredients to the pot: tomato paste, Great Northern beans, black beans (drained and rinsed), chicken broth, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), green chilies, and the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all components are well combined for your Hot Chicken Chili.
5. Simmer Chili: Turn the burner to medium-high heat and bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom and allow the rich, spicy flavors to meld and deepen beautifully into a cohesive dish.
6. Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the chili and place them on a clean cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this helps retain moisture. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the chili and stir to distribute it evenly throughout the pot, ensuring every bite has chicken.
7. Final Simmer & Serve: Cook the chili for another 5 minutes, allowing the shredded chicken to absorb the chili’s full flavors. If the chili seems too thick, you can add a little water or extra chicken stock to reach your desired consistency. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and get ready to add your favorite toppings. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering your Hot Chicken Chili is simple with a few helpful pointers and solutions to common issues. These tips will ensure perfect, flavorful results every time you cook.

• Spice Control: For a milder chili, ensure all seeds and white membranes are completely removed from the jalapeños, as they hold most of the heat. Understanding the science behind capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in peppers, can help you better control the spice level in your dishes. For more information on the science behind capsaicin, refer to culinary guides. For more fire, add a dash more Tabasco, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
• Thickening Chili: If your chili is too thin for your liking, simply simmer it uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate naturally. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering chili until it thickens.
• Flavor Boost: Elevate your chili’s taste by using fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes. Their smoky sweetness adds another complex layer to the overall flavor profile, making the chili even more robust.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid under-toasting your spices in the initial steps; this crucial process releases their full aroma and flavor, which is vital for a deep, rich chili. Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken during the initial simmer, as it will continue to cook slightly after shredding.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Hot Chicken Chili is perfect for any meal, offering endless customization to suit your preferences. Its hearty nature makes it a comforting centerpiece.

• Toppings: Transform your bowl of chili with an array of delicious toppings. We love shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and creamy diced avocado. A few extra chopped jalapeños can add a fresh crunch and another layer of spice.
• Sides: Serve your chili alongside warm, fluffy cornbread for a classic pairing that complements the heat perfectly. Crunchy tortilla chips are excellent for dipping, or spoon your chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a hearty and complete meal that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Storage: Leftover chili keeps wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for quick, easy meals.
• Freezing: This chili is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Variations: Experiment by adding different types of protein, such as shredded smoked chicken or ground turkey, for a deeper or lighter flavor profile. You could also try incorporating other chili peppers like roasted poblanos or anchos for varied heat and aromatic notes.

Nutrition Information

This Hot Chicken Chili offers a balanced and nourishing meal, packed with beneficial nutrients in every spoonful. Rich in fiber and protein, beans are a cornerstone of many hearty meals, providing significant nutritional value. For a deeper dive into the nutritional value of beans, explore resources from health organizations. Each serving is rich in lean protein from the chicken, essential for muscle health and helping you feel full and satisfied. You’ll also find a significant amount of dietary fiber from the beans, which aids digestion and contributes to overall well-being. Plus, tomatoes and other vegetables contribute valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to this hearty, flavorful dish. It’s a meal that truly warms you from the inside out while providing goodness.

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consult a professional for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Making Hot Chicken Chili is straightforward, but you might have a few questions as you get started. Here are some common inquiries to help you master this delicious recipe.

• Can I make this chili less spicy? Absolutely! To reduce the heat, ensure you remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or simply use fewer jalapeños entirely. You can also omit the Tabasco sauce for a milder flavor.
• What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and shred easily within the chili. Chicken thighs also work well for a slightly richer flavor and can handle longer cooking times.
• Can I use dry beans instead of canned? Yes, you can! Just remember to soak and cook them according to package directions before adding them to the chili, as this adds to the overall preparation time. Ensure they are fully tender before incorporating them.
• Is this chili freezer-friendly? Definitely! This Hot Chicken Chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container, making it perfect for convenient meal prep. Thaw it thoroughly before reheating.
• How can I add more vegetables? Feel free to stir in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even diced zucchini during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. This boosts nutrition and adds color.

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to create an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal. This Hot Chicken Chili delivers a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and hearty goodness that your family will adore, making it a new favorite. It’s designed to be simple and beginner-friendly, ensuring a successful cooking experience that boosts your confidence in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy your homemade Hot Chicken Chili!

Ultimate Hot Chicken Chili

A bold, spicy, and hearty one-pot Hot Chicken Chili packed with tender shredded chicken, beans, and a deep, savory spice blend. Perfect for warming you up any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dinner, Main, Soup

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1–2 tbsp Tabasco sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 28 oz diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 4 cans green chilies (small, undrained)
• 3 14.5 oz cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 14.5 oz cans Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot
• Cutting Board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• can opener
• two forks (for shredding)

Method

 

1. Chop onions and jalapeños, mince garlic, and prep all canned ingredients. Measure out spices.
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and jalapeños for 8 minutes until soft.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, and coriander, and toast for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato paste, beans, broth, Tabasco, Worcestershire, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken breasts. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce to medium-low, cover partially, and cook for 25 minutes.
6. Remove cooked chicken breasts and let rest 5 minutes. Shred with two forks.
7. Return shredded chicken to pot and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust consistency with broth if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños.

Notes

Adjust spice to taste: remove jalapeño seeds for mild, or add cayenne and extra Tabasco for more heat. Use chicken thighs for added richness. Try swapping beans or adding fire-roasted tomatoes for more smoky depth.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com