Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that brings warmth to your table?

Ina Garten’s chicken chili is the perfect answer. This comforting one-pot meal is loaded with tender chicken, rich tomato flavor, and just the right touch of spice. Unlike traditional beef chili, this lighter version uses lean ground chicken but still delivers bold, satisfying flavors.

What is Ina Garten Chicken Chili?

Ina Garten’s chicken chili is a savory blend of ground chicken, sweet bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and warming spices. It’s a healthier twist on classic chili, offering depth of flavor without the heaviness. This version is simmered slowly to build rich, complex flavor while keeping things simple and wholesome. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Cioppino
• Ina Garten Jambalaya
• Ina Garten Sugar Cookie
• Ina Garten Curried Chicken Salad
• Ina Garten Boneless Ribeye Roast

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• Healthier alternative to traditional chili – Made with lean ground chicken instead of beef
• Rich and satisfying – Packed with warm spices and a deep tomato base
• Easy to customize – Adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings
• Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day
• Freezer-friendly – Great for batch cooking and storing
• Crowd-pleasing – A hit at potlucks, family dinners, and casual get-togethers
• One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup and full of flavor

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1½ lbs ground chicken (or cooked, shredded chicken breast)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato purée
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Sour cream, shredded cheddar, or tortilla chips (optional toppings)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the onions and peppers

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, red and yellow peppers. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.

Step 2: Add the spices and garlic

Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Add ground chicken to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 4: Build the tomato base

Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato purée, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Simmer and develop flavors

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the chili thicken and the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve with toppings

Ladle chili into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or tortilla chips.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• Crusty cornbread – Perfect for dipping and soaking up the chili
• Baked potatoes – A filling side that pairs beautifully
• Creamy avocado slices – Adds richness and contrast
• Steamed rice or quinoa – Makes the meal more substantial
• Fresh green salad – Offers a light, refreshing balance
• Tortilla chips or nachos – Add a satisfying crunch
• Lime wedges – Brightens up the flavors

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes – They make a big difference in flavor
• Brown the chicken well – This adds depth and savory notes to the dish
• Let it simmer longer if possible – More time means richer taste
• Taste as you go – Adjust spices, especially cayenne, to suit your heat preference
• Add beans if desired – While not in the original, black or kidney beans work great
• Top with cooling elements – Sour cream and avocado balance out the heat
• Double the batch – It freezes beautifully for future meals

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• Add black beans or kidney beans – For added fiber and texture
• Mix in corn kernels – Adds a pop of sweetness
• Use rotisserie chicken – A time-saving shortcut
• Make it smoky – Add chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky heat
• Turn it into chili mac – Stir in cooked pasta before serving
• Add sweet potatoes – Boosts nutrition and adds natural sweetness
• Serve it over nachos – Great as a game-day appetizer

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• Cool completely before storing – Prevents moisture buildup
• Refrigerate in airtight containers – Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge
• Freeze in meal-size portions – Keeps for 2–3 months when sealed properly
• Label containers with date and name – For easy tracking
• Thaw overnight in fridge – Best results before reheating
• Avoid storing with toppings – Add fresh toppings after reheating

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• Reheat on stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot
• Microwave in short bursts – Use a microwave-safe bowl and stir between intervals
• Add a splash of water or broth – Keeps chili from becoming too thick
• Top after heating – Garnishes taste better fresh
• Avoid boiling – Heat gently to preserve flavor and texture

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg

This chili is rich in protein and satisfying while still being lower in fat than traditional versions.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s chicken chili in advance?

Yes, you can make chicken chili a day ahead. In fact, the flavors improve overnight as they have more time to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Does Ina Garten chicken chili have beans in it?

No, the original recipe does not include beans. However, you can add black beans or kidney beans if you prefer a heartier version with more fiber and texture.

What can I serve with Ina Garten’s chicken chili?

This chicken chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over rice or baked potatoes for a more filling meal.

Is chicken chili a healthy dinner option?

Yes, chicken chili is a lighter alternative to beef chili. It’s high in protein, lower in fat, and full of vegetables and spices that add both flavor and nutrients.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s chicken chili proves you don’t need beef to enjoy a comforting bowl of chili. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. With its rich tomato base and subtle heat, this dish is perfect for any day of the week. Serve it with your favorite sides, store the leftovers, or freeze for a future cozy night—it’s a versatile staple for your recipe box.

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