Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken chili to bring a homey flavor to your table.

Ina Garten’s chicken chili recipe is a classic that combines the savory appeal of roasted chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of yellow onions, bell peppers, and a medley of spices.

I love how this recipe allows the natural sweetness of bell peppers to shine through.

I’ll say off the top here – take the extra step to roast the chicken breasts with olive oil and your preferred seasoning for a tender, juicy result.

Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste by adjusting the amount of chili powder and other spices.

How to Make Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups Yellow Onions (chopped)
• 1/8 cup Olive Oil
• 1/8 cup Garlic (minced)
• 2 Red Bell Peppers (cored, seeded, and large-diced)
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 can Tomatoes (32 oz.)
• 4 cups Chicken Stock
• 4 Chicken Breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tsp Basil (chopped)
• Salt
• Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F.

Make sure your chicken breasts are generously seasoned with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Place the chicken in a baking dish and roast for about 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through.

Allow them to cool and then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic.

Let them sauté until soft and translucent.

Step 4:

Add the diced bell peppers, red pepper flakes, and chili powder to the pot.

Cook for about a minute, stirring frequently, to release their flavors.

Step 5:

Pour in the tomatoes, chicken stock, and shredded chicken.

Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Tomatoes:

If you want more freshness, swap canned tomatoes with fresh ones for a deeper flavor.

Just be sure to dice them thoroughly to blend well into the chili.

Make it Spicy:

Don’t hesitate to adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes.

Taste and tweak to suit the spice tolerance of your fellow diners.

Prepare in Advance:

This chili tastes even better the next day.

The flavors have more time to meld together, making it ideal for a make-ahead meal.

Garnish Ideas:

Consider topping your chili with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

It adds another layer of flavor and a different texture to enjoy.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Cornbread

You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of cornbread alongside chicken chili!

The tender, slightly sweet bread soaks up all the delicious chili flavors, creating a comforting and satisfying bite.

It’s a great side that brings nostalgic warmth to your meal!

Super Nachos

For an exciting twist, why not add some super nachos to the menu?

These loaded nachos, topped with cheese, refried beans, and a sprinkle of olives, offer a fantastic crunch that contrasts beautifully with the hearty chili.

Perfect for when you want a little extra fun on the table!

Avocado Salad

For something refreshing, consider serving an avocado salad with your chicken chili.

The creamy avocado and fresh greens add a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors of the chili.

It’s a simple yet delicious way to add a healthy touch to your meal!

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Adding grilled corn on the cob can introduce delightful smoky notes that complement the chili’s spices wonderfully.

The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory chili, and it’s quite easy to prepare!

Just brush with some butter and grill until lightly charred.

Sweet Potato Fries

Try serving sweet potato fries for a contrasting but tasty side dish to your chili.

The natural sweetness and crispiness of the fries create an irresistible combination that could give your meal a delicious edge.

These are not just for dipping; they’re superb with chili too!

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is another excellent option to consider.

Its mild and fluffy texture is wonderful for absorbing the spicy flavors of the chili without overpowering them.

Preparing a simple pilaf with some raisins and nuts can bring an interesting and flavorful twist to your meal!

Variations and Substitutions

You can switch up the proteins in this recipe by using ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.

For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to your chili.

One of my favorite ways to spice things up is to use different types of beans!

Herb Variations

Experiment with fresh cilantro or parsley to introduce new flavors.

Swap out basil if you’re feeling adventurous and want a change.

Adding fresh herbs can really refresh the dish!

Canned and Fresh Ingredients

You may choose to use canned fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.

Feel free to add fresh corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and texture.

If bell peppers aren’t available, try substituting them with poblano peppers for some kick!

How to Store Leftover Chicken Chili

Storing leftover chicken chili is simple and keeps it delicious for future meals.

Refrigerating Leftover Chicken Chili

You want to cool your chicken chili completely before refrigerating it.

Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Store it in the fridge for up to four days, ensuring safety and taste.

Freezing Chicken Chili

When freezing, divide the chicken chili into portions for convenience.

Use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.

Label each with the date to keep track of storage time, which can be up to three months.

Thawing Frozen Chicken Chili

Thaw your frozen chicken chili in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

You can also use a microwave or a stovetop on low heat for quicker methods.

Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving again to enjoy its full flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Roasting the Chicken

You definitely want to make sure you roast the chicken breasts instead of boiling them.

Boiling can leave the chicken too watery, making your chili lose its rich taste.

Roasting brings out those delicious flavors you don’t want to miss!

Overcooking the Peppers

Remember to keep an eye on those red bell peppers.

Cooking them for too long makes them mushy and robs them of their vibrant color.

Just a minute after adding them is enough before moving on to other ingredients!

Forgetting the Spices

It can be tempting to eyeball the spices, but you’ll get a better balance if you measure them out.

Paying attention to the chili powder and cumin really makes a difference here.

Don’t skip the cayenne if you want that little kick of heat!