Ground chicken chili no beans
Looking for a hearty, high-protein meal that’s both quick and nutritious? This ground chicken chili (no beans) is the perfect choice! Packed with lean protein, warm spices, and a rich, savory flavor, this dish is an excellent low-carb alternative to traditional chili. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy winter dinner.
Picture a hearty, healthy chili ready in just 40 minutes. It’s made with lean ground chicken and spices. Unlike traditional chili, this version has no beans but is full of taste and nutrition. It’s great for busy families, health lovers, and anyone wanting to try something new for dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy ground chicken chili recipe
- High-protein meal with zero beans
- Only 40 minutes total preparation and cooking time
- Versatile dish suitable for various dietary needs
- Packed with essential nutrients and flavor
Why Make Beanless Chicken Chili
Finding a lean protein chili that fits many diets is a big win for health-focused cooks. Beanless chicken chili is a nutritious and flexible meal choice that breaks the mold of usual recipes.
Health Benefits of Bean-Free Chili
Your low-fat chili is a nutritional powerhouse without beans. It offers 27 grams of protein and only 217 kcal. This high-protein chili is rich in nutrients but low in carbs:
- Low carbohydrate content (12g per serving)
- High protein profile (27g per serving)
- Minimal saturated fat (2g per serving)
Perfect for Special Dietary Needs
Beanless chicken chili is great for those with dietary restrictions. It’s perfect for people with bean allergies or those on strict low-carb diets.
5 out of 3 reviews indicate a positive reception for this creamy beanless white chicken chili.
Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution
Busy families will love a meal that’s ready in 30-40 minutes. Your lean protein chili is a quick and nutritious solution for crazy weeknights.
| Nutritional Highlights | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 217 kcal |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 6g |
Essential Ingredients for Ground Chicken Chili
Making an easy chili recipe begins with picking the right ingredients. Your ground chicken chili needs a mix of ingredients for great taste and health benefits.
- Protein Base: 2 pounds of ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 14 ounces of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 1 1/3 cups frozen corn
Your spice blend will turn this list into a flavorful meal. The main spices are:
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Ground coriander | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Dried Mexican oregano | 1/2 tablespoon |
This recipe is great for those watching their diet. Each serving has about 29 grams of protein and only 330 calories. It’s a filling, tasty meal that’s good for you.
“The secret to a great chili is balancing fresh ingredients with the right blend of spices.” – Chef’s Tip
Pro tip: For a creamier chili, add 8 ounces of light cream cheese towards the end. It makes your chili smooth and rich.
Seasoning and Spice Blend
Making the perfect ground chicken chili starts with a balanced spice blend. This can turn your weeknight dinner into something special. The right mix of seasonings adds depth and complexity to your meal.
The heart of a great chili is its spice. A good seasoning mix can make your meal prep a fun journey.
Base Spices for Perfect Flavor
Start with these key ingredients for your spice blend:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Customizing Heat Levels
It’s easy to change the heat level. For a milder taste, use less cayenne pepper. Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes for more heat.
“The secret to great chili is balancing heat with depth of flavor.” – Culinary Experts
Alternative Seasoning Options
Try these unique seasoning options for your meal prep:
- Smoked paprika for a deep, smoky flavor
- Chipotle powder for a southwestern flavor
- Herbs like thyme or marjoram for added complexity
Your ground chicken chili will be a hit with everyone. It’s versatile and always delicious.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making an easy chili recipe with ground chicken is easier than you think. This guide will show you how to make a tasty ground chicken chili. It’s full of flavor and good for you.
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Finely chop 1 large onion
- Mince 2 garlic cloves
- Chop 1 red bell pepper
- Measure out spices and other ingredients
- Sauté Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet
- Sauté onions and garlic for 3 minutes
- Add bell peppers and cook for an additional 3 minutes
- Build Flavor Base
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika
- Sprinkle salt and ground black pepper
- Sauté spices for 30 seconds to release aromatics
- Cook Ground Chicken
- Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet
- Cook for 5 minutes, breaking meat into small pieces
- Ensure chicken is evenly browned
Your easy chili recipe is now taking shape! The next step is to mix all ingredients together and let them simmer.
“The secret to great ground chicken chili is layering flavors and allowing them to meld together.” – Professional Chef
To finish your ground chicken chili, add tomato paste, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it’s the right thickness.
| Cooking Method | Time | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | 30-35 minutes | Simmer after combining ingredients |
| Slow Cooker | 4-8 hours | Cook on Low or High setting |
| Instant Pot | 15 minutes | Pressure cook on high |
Pro tip: For an extra thick chili, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Your ground chicken chili is now ready to serve!
How to Achieve the Perfect Thickness
Making your chicken chili just right is an art. It turns a good meal into a memorable one. The right thickness is key to a great dish.
Want to explore more easy and delicious meals? Check out this simple ground chicken chili recipe for another variation!
Natural Thickening Methods
There are several ways to get your chicken chili just right:
- Simmer uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate
- Try cornmeal or masa harina as natural thickeners
- Mash some cooked veggies for a thicker texture
“The secret to a great chili is patience and understanding how ingredients interact.”
Alternative Thickening Options
If your chili needs a bit more thickness, here are some options:
- Make a cornstarch slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch and cold water
- Add Greek yogurt for creaminess and a bit of thickness
- Use mashed white beans for more body
Remember, simmering with cornmeal takes at least 10 minutes. Start with a little and add more as needed to avoid over-thickening.
Topping and Garnish Ideas
Make your high-protein chili special with creative toppings. A topping bar can turn a simple meal into a feast. It lets everyone enjoy their favorite flavors.
Choosing the right toppings lets you customize your chili. You can add new flavors and textures. Here are some great options to make your chili stand out:
- Creamy Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Cashew cream
- Cheese Options:
- Shredded Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Dairy-free alternatives
- Fresh Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
When setting up a topping bar, keep toppings out for less than two hours. This prevents foodborne illness. Serve about 1/4 cup of sour cream and 1/3 cup of shredded cheese per person.
| Topping Category | Recommended Quantity | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Toppings | 1/4 cup | Cooling, rich texture |
| Cheese | 1/3 cup | Sharp, melty flavor |
| Fresh Herbs | 2 tablespoons | Bright, fresh notes |
“A great chili is more than just a meal—it’s an experience you create with thoughtful toppings.” – Culinary Experts
For a healthy chili, offer at least five toppings. This lets everyone make their chili their own. It makes the meal exciting and nutritious.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Preparing ground chicken chili ahead of time can change your weeknight dinners. With meal prep, you save time and enjoy healthy meals with less cooking.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Your ground chicken chili stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh and tasty, follow these tips:
- Use airtight containers to prevent contamination
- Cool the chili completely before refrigerating
- Store in shallow containers for faster cooling
- Keep refrigerator temperature below 40°F
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to prep ground chicken chili. It can be frozen for up to 3 months if prepared right:
- Leave 1 centimeter of space between chili and container lid
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
- Label containers with date and contents
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen chili
Reheating Methods
Here’s how to warm up your chili:
| Method | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | Cover and stir every 30 seconds | 2-3 minutes |
| Stovetop | Heat on medium-low, stir frequently | 5-7 minutes |
| Oven | Cover with foil, heat at 350°F | 10-15 minutes |
Pro tip: Always ensure the chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
These tips make enjoying ground chicken chili easy and convenient. Your weeknight dinners will be a breeze.
Variations and Substitutions
Changing your ground chicken chili opens up a world of tasty options. Your low-fat chili recipe can fit different diets and tastes with just a few swaps.
Protein swaps can add new flavors to your lean protein chili. Here are some protein options:
- Ground turkey (similar lean protein profile)
- Extra lean ground beef
- Shredded chicken breast
- Plant-based ground meat alternatives
Adding veggies can change your low-fat chili’s texture and nutrition. Try these:
- Diced zucchini
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped bell peppers
- Cauliflower rice
“Creativity in the kitchen transforms a simple recipe into a culinary adventure.” – Chef’s Wisdom
This chili recipe is very flexible for dietary needs. For vegetarians, you can use firm tofu or lentils. This keeps the protein in your meal.
Pro tip: When substituting proteins, adjust seasoning levels to complement the new ingredient’s flavor profile.
Conclusion
Starting your journey with ground chicken chili is more than a recipe. It opens the door to a healthy and tasty meal. This chili is perfect for dinner, fitting many diets and packed with flavor in just 34 minutes.
Ground chicken chili is a great choice for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make and you can add your favorite toppings. You can also change the spice to your liking.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner. You can make it your own by trying different spices and toppings. It’s a way to keep your meals exciting and healthy.
Cooking is all about being creative and having fun. This chili recipe is your chance to express yourself. Make it your own while keeping it nutritious and delicious.