🍲 Chicken Chili Recipe
Description: This hearty chicken chili recipe, inspired by Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa), is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Serve it with corn chips, chopped onions, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover chicken, making it both delicious and economical.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 | Yellow onions |
| 1/4 cup | Olive oil |
| 1/4 cup | Garlic |
| 4 | Red bell peppers |
| 4 | Yellow bell peppers |
| 2 tbsp | Chili powder |
| 2 tsp | Ground cumin |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried red pepper flakes |
| 1/2 tsp | Cayenne pepper |
| 4 tsp | Kosher salt |
| 4 | Plum tomatoes |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh basil leaves |
| 8 | Chicken breast halves |
| Fresh ground black pepper |
Instructions:
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Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add chopped yellow onions and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until translucent.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Spice it Up: Add diced red and yellow bell peppers, chili powder, ground cumin, dried red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
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Tomato Base: Crush plum tomatoes by hand or in batches using a food processor. Add them to the pot along with fresh basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Prepare Chicken: While the chili simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through. Let them cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones and skin, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted chicken chunks to the chili pot and continue to simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chicken chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as corn chips, chopped onions, sour cream, or grated cheese. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it and gently reheat before serving for a delicious meal any time.
This Chicken Chili recipe is not only packed with flavor but also versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of homemade chicken chili with this delightful recipe!
