Go Back Email Link
Close-up of chicken chili in a ceramic bowl featuring tender chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and a garnish of lime and parsley.

Chicken Chili That Warms You to the Bone: Easy, Hearty & High Protein

Molly
This easy chicken chili is the perfect balance of comfort and clean eating. Packed with lean chicken breast, hearty beans, sweet corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s a high-protein, one-pot meal that comes together fast. Whether you're craving a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, or needing a post-workout refuel, this chili delivers bold flavor, wholesome ingredients, and warming satisfaction in every spoonful. Gluten-free, meal prep–friendly, and made in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped cilantro avocado, lime, dairy-free sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Brown the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes.
  • Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
    Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until veggies are soft and fragrant.
  • Step 3: Spice It Up
    Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute.
  • Step 4: Add the Beans & Tomatoes
    Pour in the beans and fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir everything together.
  • Step 5: Simmer It Low and Slow
    Add chicken broth and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 25 minutes to let flavors meld.
  • Step 6: Finish and Serve
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Chicken Chili

1. Sear for Flavor: Brown the chicken pieces before adding to the pot. It adds a deep, savory layer that boosts the entire chili.
2. Adjust the Heat: Want it spicier? Stir in chipotle powder or a diced jalapeño. For a milder version, use sweet paprika and skip the chili flakes.
3. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: They add a smoky richness that takes this chili from good to can’t-stop-eating-it territory.
4. Don’t Skip the Simmer: Let the chili simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken naturally.
5. Meal Prep Magic: This chili gets even better the next day. Store it in individual portions for easy lunches all week.
6. Flavor Boost: Add a touch of garlic powder in addition to fresh garlic—it rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
Keyword chicken chili with corn and beans, clean eating chicken chili, easy chicken chili recipe, gluten free chicken chili dinner, healthy comfort food chili, high protein chili with beans, low calorie chicken chili, meal prep friendly chili, one pot chicken chili, simple chicken chili for beginners