Ah, chicken chili—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, especially when time is not on your side! I remember one hectic Tuesday night, juggling emails and somehow managing to whip up this quick, spicy concoction—it’s like magic how the flavors meld together so effortlessly. Perfect for those weeknights when you just need something hearty and fast, without sacrificing taste.
Steps
- Begin by cooking chicken tenderloins in olive oil until thoroughly done. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and green pepper until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add two cans of beans (with liquid), one drained can of beans, and a can of chili peppers to the pot. Pour in four cups of chicken broth to combine with the vegetables and beans.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and incorporate the spices to your preference. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Serve the chili with toppings such as avocado slices, cheese, and chopped cilantro for added flavor. Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more spices or hot sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cans of white beans, with 2 cans pureed
- 1 can of chili peppers
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato chicken bouillon powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional for thickening)
- Garnishes: avocado slices, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, tri-colored tortilla strips
FAQ
- How can I make the chili thicker?
- To achieve a thicker consistency, you can mash one of the cans of beans or add a bit of flour. You can also reduce the amount of chicken broth used or puree some beans to naturally thicken the dish.
- What can I use instead of green chilies?
- If you’re not a fan of green chilies, roasted red peppers are a great alternative. They add a different flavor profile while keeping the dish vibrant and flavorful.
- Is it necessary to rinse and drain the beans?
- While the recipe suggests rinsing and draining the beans, some cooks choose to include the bean liquid for added flavor and thickness. This can also help reduce the amount of broth needed.
- What are some recommended garnishes for this chili?
- Popular garnishes include avocado slices, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, and tri-colored tortilla strips. These add texture and extra flavor to the dish.
- How can I add more flavor or spice to the chili?
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding more spices like cumin, garlic powder, or white pepper. If you prefer a spicier kick, incorporate a small amount of canned jalapeños or increase the chili peppers used in the recipe.
Tips
- To achieve a thicker chili consistency, try mashing one can of beans or pureeing it in a food processor before adding it to the pot. This can help thicken the broth without needing additional flour or thickeners.
- Consider reducing the amount of chicken broth if you prefer a less soupy chili. Many reviewers found that using around 4 cups of broth created a more desirable consistency.
- Enhance the flavor by incorporating additional spices to suit your taste. You might add more cumin, garlic powder, or even a bit of white pepper. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning is right for you.
- Experiment with garnishes for added flavor and texture. Avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and tri-colored tortilla strips can complement the dish beautifully.
Equipment
- Food Processor (for pureeing beans)
- Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven
- Immersion Blender (optional, for thickening the chili by pureeing directly in the pot)
- Garlic Press (optional, for mincing garlic)
- Citrus Juicer (optional, if adding fresh lime juice for garnish)
