Meena's Easy Chicken Chili

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili Recipe - Indian Cuisine

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili is a delicious and simple recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

This recipe was created by Meena, a passionate cook who loves to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. She wanted to create a chili recipe that was easy to make and packed with protein, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground chicken
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 can baked beans in tomato sauce
1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
1 jalapeno, finely chopped
salt, to taste
1 tsp red chili powder
0.5 tsp cumin powder
0.5 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp tomato paste
0.5 cup water
2 tbsp cooking oil

How to prepare

Heat oil in a pan and brown ground chicken. Set aside.
Add onions and garlic to the same pan and cook until onions become transparent and soft. Add salt, chili powder, oregano, and cumin and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they blend nicely with the onions. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute or two.
Add canned baked beans and water and let simmer for 10 – 12 minutes on low heat.
Serve warm with garlic toast and enjoy!

Spicy Notes

Feel free to use red kidney beans instead of baked beans if you prefer. I just don't since I'm not too fond of kidney beans!

Variations

Add black beans or kidney beans for extra fiber and protein.
Top the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground chicken before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the chili.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeno to suit your spice preference.

- Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Meena's Easy Chicken Chili with a side of garlic toast or cornbread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground chicken before adding the other ingredients helps to develop a rich flavor in the chili.

- Simmering the chili on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious, hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or beef instead of ground chicken.

- Substitute the jalapeno with a milder pepper if you prefer less heat.

Make Ahead Tips

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Meena's Easy Chicken Chili with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Meena's Easy Chicken Chili with a side of rice, quinoa, or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Meena's Easy Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Meena's Easy Chicken Chili contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Meena's Easy Chicken Chili contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Meena's Easy Chicken Chili contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Meena's Easy Chicken Chili contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (bread).

Summary

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with protein and nutrients, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had invited my friend Meena over for lunch. As we sat in my cozy kitchen sipping tea, she mentioned that she had a delicious chicken chili recipe that was perfect for the season.

Meena told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She described the dish as a hearty and comforting meal, filled with tender chunks of chicken, beans, and a rich tomato base. My mouth watered just thinking about it.

As Meena talked me through the steps of making the chili, I could see the passion and pride in her eyes. She explained that the key to the dish was in the spices – a careful blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika that gave the chili its distinctive flavor.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make Meena's Easy Chicken Chili. I asked her to write down the recipe for me, and she happily obliged. As she handed me the piece of paper, she smiled and said, "I can't wait for you to try it. It's sure to become a favorite in your household."

And she was right. From that day on, Meena's Easy Chicken Chili became a regular feature on our family menu. I would make it for weeknight dinners, potlucks with friends, and even the occasional Sunday brunch. Each time I served the dish, it received rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to Meena's original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I discovered that a splash of lime juice gave the chili a tangy kick, while a dash of smoked paprika added a depth of flavor. And of course, I always made sure to use the freshest ingredients – organic chicken, locally sourced beans, and ripe tomatoes straight from the garden.

As I continued to perfect the recipe, I found myself thinking back to that fateful day in my kitchen with Meena. I realized that cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it's about sharing stories, traditions, and memories with those we love. Meena's Easy Chicken Chili had become more than just a dish; it was a connection to a dear friend and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

I have since shared the recipe with countless friends and family members, passing on the tradition of Meena's Easy Chicken Chili to the next generation. And each time I make the dish, I think of Meena and the joy she brought into my life with her simple yet delicious recipe.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of bubbling chili on the stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. Meena's Easy Chicken Chili has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the friendships and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

So to Meena, wherever you are, thank you for sharing your recipe with me. It has brought me so much joy and warmth over the years, and I will always be grateful for the day you walked into my kitchen and introduced me to the magic of your Easy Chicken Chili.