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It’s always a good time for chili, and this Chipotle Chicken Chili really hits the spot. It’s smoky and sweet with a tinge of a spicy kick.
I’m using all the best adjectives for this one: easy, quick, hearty and healthy … oh, and it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Can’t beat that!
Why You’ll Enjoy this Chipotle Chicken Chili Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this recipe. Here are some of the highlights:
- It’s delicious. Trust.
- It’s meal-prep and make-ahead friendly. Prep the ingredients the night before to shave about 10 minutes from prep time.
- It’s quick and easy. If you don’t prep this recipe in advance, no worries. It comes together in less than 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
- It freezes well. I can’t count the times we’ve had a grab-and-go scenario straight from the freezer to my husband’s lunch bag and off he goes to the office.
Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chipotle Chicken Chili recipe:
- Shredded chicken – Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works well. We keep our freezer stocked with smoked shredded chicken which is what I used for this recipe.
- Butternut squash – I love the flavor butternut squash gives to this chicken chili. You can use diced sweet potatoes if butternut squash is not in season.
- Black beans – Black beans add flavor and texture. This recipe calls for two 14.5-ounce cans of black beans, drained and rinsed. Use low-sodium beans if you can find them.
- Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce – These chiles are the stars of the show. They put the “chipotle” in Chipotle Chicken Chili, after all.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes – These tomatoes add a touch of that smoky flavor we love about this chili, but feel free to use regular diced tomatoes if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- Chicken broth – Use low-sodium or homemade chicken broth, if possible.
- Aromatics – Onion, garlic, cumin and oregano need no explanation!
- Avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil – For sauteing the aromatics.
- Salt and pepper – Just a dash.
Chipotle Chicken Chili Toppings
What is a good bowl of chili without toppings? These delicious toppings range from crunchy to creamy and cater to every palate. Get creative!
- Chips – Tortilla chips, corn chips or crunchy tri-colored tortilla strips
- Avocado – Slice it, dice it or add a big ol’ scoop of guacamole
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar, pepper jack, feta, cotija or queso fresco
- Sour cream – Low-fat, full-fat or even Greek yogurt
- Pickled vegetables – Pickled peppers, pickled red onions or a side of pickled okra
- Fresh vegetables – Radish, fresh onion, jalapenos, scallions or spring onions
- Herbs – Chives or fresh cilantro
- Lime Juice – Serve each bowl with a wedge of lime
- Crispy veggies – Crispy jalapenos or French fried onions
- Crackers, croutons or cornbread – Garlic and herb, saltines, sweet or savory
Looking For More 30-Minute Meals?
Make Ahead + Storage
This Chipotle Chicken Chili can be prepared in advance. Let the chili cool completely and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
If you’re using chicken that has not been previously frozen, you can freeze individual servings of chili in an airtight glass container filled 3/4 of the way full for up to three months.
If you’re using previously frozen chicken, do not refreeze. Store leftover chicken chili in the refrigerator in an airtight container and enjoy within four days.
Chipotle Chicken Chili FAQs
Is chipotle chicken chili spicy?
That really depends on your preference. The chipotle chilis in this recipe can be adjusted based on your spice tolerance. As a general rule, chipotles are moderately spicy. It never hurts to taste a bit of the chipotles in adobo before adding them to the chili. You can always add, but you can’t take away once it’s there!
What can I serve with this recipe?
In addition to the diverse selection of toppings listed further up in this article, Chipotle Chicken Chili can be served with a side salad, tortilla chips and even cornbread for a hearty meal. This recipe also pairs well with a side of rice.
Is Chipotle Chicken Chili gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free so long as you double check that your canned beans and broth have not been processed in facilities that also processes gluten. It’s good practice to check the labels on any packaged ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is an easy one to adapt for a meal-free version. Simply swap out your chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the chicken. I highly recommend adding an extra can of beans and some extra vegetables, such as zucchini and corn, to bulk up the chili. You can also consider adding some rice. A vegan chili topped with avocado and cilantro sounds delish!
Chipotle Chicken Chili
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups butternut squash diced in ½-inch cubes
- 2 14.5- ounce cans low-sodium black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 14.5- ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth divided
- 3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- 1 pound shredded or diced cooked chicken such as leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
- Garnish with toppings of choice such as sour cream, crumbled Cojita cheese, fresh or pickled jalapenos, green or red onions, crisp diced radishes and cilantro
Instructions
- In a small food processor, combine the chipotle chiles in adobo sauce with ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Process until smooth.
- Heat a soup pot over medium heat and add the oil. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cumin, oregano and salt and sauté until fragrant, another 30-45 seconds.
- Add the next five ingredients, including the chipotle chile mixture and remaining chicken broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the cooked chicken and simmer for 5 minutes more. Garnish, serve and enjoy!
