Simple ground chicken chili recipe
Looking for a warm, hearty meal that’s good for you? Ground chicken chili is your new go-to comfort food. It’s a healthy twist on the classic dish, packed with flavor and nutrition.
Imagine coming home to a delicious, nutritious meal after a long day. Ground chicken chili is that perfect mix of taste and health. It has only 301 calories per serving and 23 grams of protein. This recipe shows that healthy food can be tasty and easy to make.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy ground chicken chili recipe
- High-protein, low-calorie meal option
- Perfect for meal prep and family dinners
- Customizable to suit dietary preferences
- Freezer-friendly for convenient meal planning
- Balanced nutritional profile with 11g of fiber
- Takes only 30-60 minutes to prepare
Why Make This Ground Chicken Chili
Finding a tasty, low-fat chili that’s full of flavor is a big win for health-focused cooks. This ground chicken chili is a great choice for those wanting a healthy, filling meal. It’s perfect for a balanced diet.
For more delicious variations, check out Ground Chicken Recipes on RecipesAnna!
Nutritional Powerhouse
This lean protein chili is packed with nutrients. It has about 20 grams of protein per serving. This makes it a great choice for building muscle and feeling full.
The nutritional facts are impressive:
- Only 229 calories per serving
- Low fat content (9 grams per serving)
- High fiber (6 grams per serving)
- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals
Time-Saving Meal Solution
For those with busy lives, quick meals are a must. This ground chicken chili is ready in just 40 minutes. It’s cooked in one pot, making cleanup easy and saving time.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 6 servings |
Budget-Friendly Cooking
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Ground chicken is often cheaper than other meats. Using affordable ingredients and pantry staples, you can make a nutritious meal without spending a lot.
“Healthy eating is an investment in yourself that doesn’t have to cost a fortune.”
This low-fat chili is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. It’s delicious, healthy, and easy to make.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Ground Chicken Chili
Making tasty chicken chili recipes needs the right ingredients. These ingredients add flavor and nutrition to your dishes. The mix of spices, veggies, and protein makes a simple meal unforgettable.
- Protein Base: 2 pounds of ground chicken
- Aromatics: 1 large diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves
- Vegetables: 1 large green bell pepper
- Tomato Components:
- 1 can Ro-tel diced tomatoes
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
Spices are key to making your chili stand out. The right mix includes:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
“The secret to an exceptional ground chicken dish is balancing spices and fresh ingredients.”
Beans add texture and nutrition. You’ll need:
- 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 cup of chicken broth. These ingredients make your dish go from good to great.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Needed
Making a tasty ground chicken chili is easy. You don’t need a lot of complicated stuff. One-pot meals are simple and clean up is a breeze. With just a few basic tools, you can make a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Essential Cookware
A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is key for one-pot meals. These pots spread heat well and are great for making rich chili. Choose a pot that’s at least 5-6 quarts to fit all your ingredients.
Chili is a staple dish worldwide due to its rich history and versatility. If you’re curious about the origins of this hearty meal, read more on Wikipedia’s page on Chili to explore its fascinating history!
Helpful Kitchen Gadgets
- Vegetable chopper for quick and uniform ingredient preparation
- Digital kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Garlic grater or microplane for finely mincing garlic
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Containers
After you’ve eaten your meal, you’ll need good storage. Choose:
- Airtight glass containers for refrigerating leftovers
- Freezer-safe containers for storing up to 3 months
- Portion-sized containers for easy meal prep
“The right tools can transform cooking from a chore to a joy.” – Professional Chef
With these kitchen basics, you’re set to make a delicious ground chicken chili. It’s both easy and tasty.
Preparing Your Vegetables and Seasonings
Preparing your vegetables is key to making great ground chicken chili. The right chopping and seasoning can really boost the taste. It takes your dish from good to amazing.
First, collect your fresh ingredients for the ground chicken chili. You’ll need these main vegetables:
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
Here are some tips for the best flavor:
- Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking
- Mince garlic just before adding to avoid bitter taste
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts
“The secret to a great chicken chili is in the details of preparation.” – Professional Chef
Your spice blend is vital for depth in your chili. Get these essential seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon low sodium chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pro tip: Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds. This intensifies their flavors and adds complexity to your chicken chili recipes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making tasty weeknight dinners is easy with this ground chicken chili recipe. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s simple to make. Basic ingredients turn into a hearty, satisfying dish with just a few steps.
Browning the Ground Chicken
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven. Add 2 pounds of ground chicken and cook for about 5 minutes. It’s important to break the chicken into small pieces and make sure it’s fully browned. This step adds rich flavor and sets the base for your chili.
Adding Vegetables and Spices
Once the chicken is browned, add your aromatics:
- 2 cups chopped yellow onions
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 6 medium garlic cloves
Cook these vegetables for 8-10 minutes until they’re soft and smell great. Then, add your spice blend:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Simmering and Final Steps
Next, pour in 52 ounces of chopped tomatoes and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 1 hour. This lets the flavors mix well.
During the last 50 minutes, add a 15-oz can of Cannellini beans. This way, the beans stay whole and soak up the chili’s flavors.
“Good cooking is about patience and understanding how ingredients work together.” – Unknown Chef
Your ground chicken chili is great for weeknights. It’s a healthy meal for 6-8 people and takes about 2 hours to make.
Tips for the Best Ground Chicken Chili
Making the perfect ground chicken chili takes skill. These expert tips will make your healthy chili recipes better. You’ll get a delicious meal every time.
Flavor Enhancement Strategies
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky taste in your chili
- Try different spice mixes for a unique flavor
- Grind whole spices before using for richer taste
When making your chili, focus on quality ingredients and cooking methods. The right steps can turn a simple dish into a memorable one.
Consistency and Texture Tips
- Adjust the liquid to get the right thickness
- Make it creamier with a cornstarch slurry
- Thicken it by mashing some beans
“The secret to great chili is patience and layering flavors” – Professional Chef Recommendation
| Tip Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Liquid Management | Start with 3 cups of chicken broth, adjust as needed |
| Protein Choice | Use ground chicken with 90% lean meat for best results |
| Yogurt Addition | Use 2% Greek yogurt for optimal creaminess |
Remember, practice makes perfect with ground chicken chili. Each time, you’ll get better at balancing flavors and texture.
Customization Options and Variations
Your low-fat chili doesn’t have to be boring! This lean protein chili recipe offers plenty of flexibility. You can make simple adjustments to suit different tastes and dietary needs. By tweaking the recipe, you can create a personalized culinary experience.
Spice Level Adjustments
Customize the heat of your low-fat chili with these easy modifications:
- Mild: Reduce or eliminate cayenne pepper
- Medium: Use 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne
- Hot: Add extra cayenne or include diced jalapeños
- Extreme: Incorporate habanero peppers for intense heat
Bean and Vegetable Variations
Enhance your lean protein chili with diverse ingredients:
| Bean Options | Vegetable Additions |
|---|---|
| Black beans | Bell peppers |
| Kidney beans | Zucchini |
| White beans | Butternut squash |
| Pinto beans | Cauliflower |
Dietary Modifications
Adapt the chili to meet specific nutritional requirements:
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening
- Dairy-free: Omit cheese and sour cream toppings
- Low-carb: Reduce bean quantity or substitute with extra vegetables
Remember, the key to an amazing low-fat chili is experimenting and finding your perfect combination. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Make your ground chicken dishes exciting with creative serving ideas. These ideas can turn a simple chili into a memorable meal. The right toppings can make it a hit with everyone.
Turn your ground chicken chili into a masterpiece with these tasty toppings:
- Classic Cheese Blend: Shredded cheddar or monterey jack
- Creamy Additions: Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh Garnishes: Chopped cilantro and green onions
- Crunchy Textures: Tortilla chips or cornbread croutons
- Healthy Boosters: Diced avocado or pico de gallo
How you present your meal matters. Use colorful bowls and arrange toppings in small dishes. This lets everyone make their chili their own.
| Topping Category | Recommended Options | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Shredded cheese, sour cream | Creamy, rich |
| Fresh | Cilantro, lime wedges | Bright, zesty |
| Crunchy | Tortilla chips, cornbread | Textural contrast |
Pro tip: Warm your serving bowls slightly. This keeps the chili at the perfect temperature. It makes your meal feel more like a restaurant.
“The best meals are those that invite creativity and personal touch!” – Culinary Experts
Remember, toppings are more than just garnishes. They’re a chance to make each serving special and enjoyable for your family.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Meal prep recipes like this ground chicken chili are great for busy cooks. They offer tasty, easy meals all week. Keeping the chili fresh and safe is important.
After making your ground chicken chili, you can store it safely for days. Here are tips to keep your meals fresh:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer Storage: Keeps well for up to 3 months
- Recommended Container Sizes:
- 16-32 oz for 1-2 servings
- 32-48 oz for 3-4 servings
- 64 oz or larger for 5+ servings
Ready to eat your chili? Here’s how to reheat it right:
- Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator
- Reheat on stovetop (5-7 minutes) or microwave (2-3 minutes)
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety
“Proper storage transforms your meal prep recipes from good to great!” – Culinary Experts
Look out for signs of spoilage like mold, color changes, bad smell, or sliminess. Always keep your chili in a fridge at 40°F or colder to stop bacteria.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Options
Turning your ground chicken chili into meal prep recipes is a big win for busy weeknights. By getting parts ready ahead of time, you can make cooking easier. This way, you get to enjoy tasty, healthy meals all week.
- Make the chili base up to 4 days early
- Put it in individual containers for quick meals
- Freeze it for up to 2 months
This meal prep is great because it’s healthy. Each serving has:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 614 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fiber | 18g |
For the best meal prep, follow these tips:
- Get leak-proof containers
- Let the chili cool down before storing
- Split it into 4 bowls with 0.5 cups of quinoa each
“Meal prepping isn’t just about saving time—it’s about creating delicious, nutritious weeknight dinners with minimal stress.”
Here’s how to keep your chili fresh and tasty:
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Conclusion
Your journey through this ground chicken chili recipe shows how easy it is to make healthy meals. Ground chicken chili is a mix of protein and flavors that makes dinner exciting and simple. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe proves you can eat well without losing flavor. It’s ready in just 34 minutes and feeds six people. You can also change it up by adding different spices or toppings.
Looking for a quick dinner or meal prep? This ground chicken chili is a great choice. You can tweak the spice, swap ingredients, or cook it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Make it a regular part of your cooking and enjoy a meal that everyone loves.