Spicy & Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken Chili recipe was crafted in collaboration with Bush’s Beans, bringing you a blend of delicious flavors and quality ingredients.
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to warm your soul, whether it’s a chilly evening or just a craving for robust flavors. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that transcends the ordinary: my **Chipotle Chicken Chili**. While I often gravitate towards my reliable turkey chili recipe for quick weeknight dinners, this week, I was eager for a change—specifically, a significant kick of spice and depth that goes beyond the usual. As an ardent lover of spicy cuisine, I find immense joy in experimenting with various chili powders, and this recipe truly shines.
This Chipotle Chicken Chili is deceptively simple to prepare, yet its flavor profile is extraordinarily rich and complex. The magic comes from a careful combination of smoky chipotle chili powder, aromatic smoked paprika, earthy cumin, and the foundational goodness of Bush’s Chili Kidney Beans. But what truly sets this chili apart is my unique secret ingredient, which elevates the entire dish to an “out of this world” experience. If you appreciate a deep, warm, and spicy flavor that lingers pleasantly on the palate, then prepare to fall in love with this chicken chili recipe.
Why This Chipotle Chicken Chili Stands Out
What makes a chili truly great? For me, it’s a harmonious balance of heat, smoke, and savory notes, combined with a satisfying texture. This Chipotle Chicken Chili delivers on all fronts. Using ground chicken offers a lighter protein option compared to beef or turkey, without sacrificing any of the hearty appeal. The star spice, chipotle chili powder, provides not just heat, but a distinctive smokiness that is fundamental to the character of this dish. Paired with smoked paprika, the smoky undertones become even more pronounced, creating a depth of flavor that is incredibly comforting and addictive.
Cumin, a classic chili ingredient, adds an essential earthy warmth that ties all the spices together. But let’s talk about the secret weapon: a few squares of milk chocolate. Before you raise an eyebrow, hear me out! Adding a small amount of chocolate to chili is a technique often used in Mexican moles and traditional chili recipes. It doesn’t make the chili sweet; instead, it deepens the color, enriches the savory notes, and adds a subtle complexity that rounds out the flavors beautifully. It’s the kind of subtle touch that makes people wonder what your secret is.
And of course, no chili is complete without quality beans. Bush’s Chili Red Kidney Beans are a perfect choice, as they are already seasoned to complement chili, saving you time and ensuring a consistent, delicious base. Their tender texture and rich flavor absorb all the wonderful spices, making every spoonful a delight. This recipe is designed to be both flavor-packed and straightforward, perfect for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal fuss.
The Art of Chili Toppings: Elevating Your Meal
For me, serving chili is as much about the toppings as it is about the chili itself. A well-stocked topping bar transforms a simple bowl of chili into a customizable culinary adventure. My go-to essentials include freshly chopped scallions for a mild oniony crunch, bright cilantro for a burst of freshness, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat, generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese for melty goodness, and diced avocado for a rich, cooling contrast. These additions don’t just add flavor; they add texture and visual appeal, making each bite exciting.
But don’t stop there! The possibilities for chili toppings are virtually endless. Consider adding crispy tortilla chips or cornbread on the side for dipping and scooping. For an extra layer of heat, offer pickled jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy touch. The beauty of chili toppings is that everyone can personalize their bowl to their exact liking, making it a truly interactive and enjoyable meal.
Chili for Every Occasion: From Weeknights to Parties
Chili’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for almost any dining scenario. It excels as an easy, comforting weeknight meal, especially when you factor in the joy of leftovers. A batch of this Chipotle Chicken Chili can provide several meals throughout the week, saving you time and effort on busy evenings. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Portioning and freezing individual servings also makes for quick, homemade lunches or dinners whenever you need them.
Beyond the everyday, this Chipotle Chicken Chili is a fantastic centerpiece for casual gatherings with friends and family. Thinking of an easy get-together? A chili party is an absolute winner! The preparation is minimal on the day of the event, as chili can (and should!) be made ahead of time. Simply double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd, then transfer it to a slow cooker to keep it warm and ready to serve. Set out an array of bowls filled with various toppings, alongside some fresh tortillas or cornbread, and your party is set! I have a friend who hosts an annual chili party every fall, and it’s always such a warm and inviting way to connect with loved ones. It creates a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can mingle and enjoy a delicious, communal meal.
Tips for the Best Chipotle Chicken Chili
Achieving the perfect chili isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about technique. When browning the ground chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled, creating a good base for the flavors. Don’t rush the step where you cook the vegetables with the spices; allowing the onions and bell peppers to soften and the spices to toast gently in the oil helps to release their full aroma and flavor, building the foundation of your chili’s taste. The simmering time is also crucial—30 to 35 minutes allows all the ingredients to marry together, creating a cohesive and flavorful broth. This is where the magic happens, transforming individual components into a rich, unified dish.
Remember to taste and adjust seasoning towards the end. Depending on your chicken broth and the salt content of your beans, you might need a little extra salt or a grind of fresh black pepper. And don’t forget that secret ingredient: the milk chocolate. Add it in the last few minutes of simmering, stirring until it’s fully melted and integrated. This subtle addition truly elevates the overall depth and complexity of the chili without making it overtly sweet, enhancing its umami notes.
For even more chili inspiration and to truly master your chili-making skills, I highly recommend checking out the Ultimate Chili Guide from my wonderful friends at Bush’s Beans. It’s packed with countless delicious combinations, from choosing the right protein to selecting the perfect beans and vegetables to add to your pot. The ideas are truly endless! Chef Jeffrey Saad shares his expert chili tips, guiding you on how to build a mouthwatering chili recipe that your family and friends will absolutely adore.
Chipotle Chicken Chili
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Chicken
Method: Stovetop
This Chipotle Chicken Chili recipe was created in partnership with Bush’s Beans.
Ingredients
For the chili:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 red onion, chopped finely
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 cans Bush’s Chili Red Kidney Beans (with liquid)
- 1 8oz can tomato sauce
- 3 squares milk chocolate, optional
Toppings for serving:
- cilantro
- shredded cheese
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- chopped green onion
- diced avocado
- tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and brown for 4-5 minutes, breaking up with a spoon to crumble. Add red onion, red bell pepper, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin. Cook vegetables and spices with ground chicken for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften. This initial step is crucial for building the flavor base, as browning the chicken adds depth and caramelization, while sautéing the vegetables with the spices helps to bloom their aromatic compounds.
- Add chicken broth (or stock), Bush’s Chili Red Kidney Beans (with their liquid for added flavor and thickness), and tomato sauce to the pot and stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it continue to simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes. This simmering time allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and cohesive chili. If you’re using the optional milk chocolate, stir in the 3 squares toward the end of the cooking time, allowing them to fully melt and incorporate into the chili, enhancing its depth without adding sweetness. Taste for salt and pepper and season accordingly to your preference.
- Serve the Chipotle Chicken Chili immediately while it’s hot, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings. The warmth of the chili perfectly complements the cool, fresh toppings, making each serving a personalized and delicious experience.
Craving more comforting and delicious meal ideas? Explore a treasure trove of recipes on my Soup, Stew and Chili Recipes Pinterest board. You’ll find a wide variety of warming dishes perfect for any season or occasion.
Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Soup, Stew and Chili Recipes on Pinterest.