Chicken Chili

Chicken Chili Recipe from USA with Scallions, Celery, and Red Bell Pepper

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a blend of spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Chicken chili has its roots in traditional chili recipes, which date back to the early 19th century in the United States. While traditional chili is typically made with beef, chicken chili offers a lighter and leaner alternative that is just as delicious.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1.75 cup chicken stock
1 small bunch scallions (five or six), chopped
4 ribs of celery, diced fine
0.25 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 clove of garlic, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup butter
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder (or to taste)
1 can (10 oz (283 g)) diced tomatoes with chiles
1 cup water
grated parmesan cheese for garnish

How to prepare

Preheat your cooker and allow it to heat up while you prepare the vegetables.
In a pan, sauté the scallions, celery, and bell pepper in the butter.
Add the chicken and cook until it starts to change color.
In the warm slow cooker, combine the chicken stock, canned tomatoes, water, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Add the cooked chicken and vegetables.
Stir once to mix the ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for one hour, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 4 – 5 hours.
Before serving, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Variations

For a healthier version, you can use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breast.
Add beans such as kidney beans or black beans for extra fiber and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to your chicken chili, try using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.

- For a spicier chili, add more chili powder or diced chiles to suit your taste preferences.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken chili with a side of cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe is cooked in a slow cooker, but you can also make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs or even ground chicken for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This chicken chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chicken chili with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this chicken chili with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 300

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and Parmesan cheese).

Summary

This chicken chili recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken chili is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a blend of savory chicken, vegetables, and spices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just finished picking fresh vegetables from my garden. As I sat down to flip through my collection of recipe cards, I stumbled upon a tattered piece of paper tucked away in the back of the box. It was a handwritten recipe for Chicken Chili, and it immediately caught my eye.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing, with a unique combination of spices and ingredients that I had never seen before. It called for chunks of tender chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of warm spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. As I read through the instructions, I could almost taste the rich and savory flavors that would come together in the pot.

I knew I had to give it a try. So, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the onions and peppers, the fragrant aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I browned the chicken in a skillet, watching as it sizzled and caramelized to perfection.

Next, I added the vegetables and spices, stirring them into the bubbling pot of chicken and beans. The colors of red, green, and yellow blended together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering sight. I let the chili simmer on the stove for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify with each passing minute.

Finally, it was time to taste the fruits of my labor. I ladled a steaming bowl of Chicken Chili into a ceramic dish, topping it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. As I took my first bite, I knew I had struck gold. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and aromatic spices was simply divine.

I had discovered a new favorite recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. But the story of how I learned to make Chicken Chili didn't end there. Over the years, I would tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and variations to make it truly my own.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness and begged for the secret behind its savory flavors. I even entered it in a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the town's culinary hall of fame.

But the true joy of making Chicken Chili came from the memories it evoked. Each time I whipped up a batch of the fragrant stew, I was transported back to that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe. I could almost hear the rustling of leaves outside my window and feel the warmth of the kitchen enveloping me as I stirred the pot.

And as I sat down to enjoy a bowl of Chicken Chili with my loved ones, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It wasn't just a dish to be savored and enjoyed—it was a piece of history, a story to be passed down through the generations, a reminder of the joys of cooking and sharing a meal with those we hold dear.