Ina Garten Chicken Chili recipe, a vibrant and flavorful dish serves 6-8 and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and cook. This hearty and satisfying chili is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
Try More Chicken Recipes
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Requires readily available pantry staples and fresh produce.
- Easy to Make: The process is straightforward, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of savory chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables creates a truly delicious and satisfying chili.
- Versatile: Can be easily customized with your favorite toppings and spice levels.
❓ What Is Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe?
Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken a vibrant blend of bell peppers and a rich tomato-based broth infused with spices like chili powder and cumin.

🍗 Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 3 medium onions)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup minced garlic (8 cloves)
- 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and large-diced
- 2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, and large-diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (more or less, to taste)
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for chicken
- 4 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained
- ½ cup minced fresh basil
- 6 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts
- Freshly ground black pepper
- For serving: chopped onions, corn chips, grated cheese, sour cream
🍲 Instructions:
- In a large pot, cook the onions in oil over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
- Crush the tomatoes by hand or in batches in a food processor fitted with a steel blade (pulse 6 to 8 times).
- Add to the pot with the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked chicken to the chili and simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes.
- Serve with the toppings, or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Add Beans: If desired, add a can of black beans or kidney beans to the chili.
- Garnish Creatively: Get creative with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped onions, and cilantro.

🍞 What To Serve With Chicken Chili?
A classic pairing for Chicken Chili cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal, simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili and sliced avocado adds a creamy and healthy touch.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Chili?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken chili in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze your leftover chicken chili in individual portions or in larger batches for up to 3 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Chili?
- In The Stovetop: Gently reheat leftover chicken chili in a pot over low heat for up 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally.
- In The Microwave: Reheat leftover chicken chili in microwave-safe bowls in short bursts for up 4-5 minutes stirring between each burst.
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Chili?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best for Chicken Chili because they stay tender and absorb flavors well. Rotisserie chicken can also be used for convenience.
Is Chicken Chili spicy?
Chicken Chili can be made as mild or spicy as you like. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
Can I make Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, Chicken Chili can be made in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors blend.
Can I make Chicken Chili in an Instant Pot?
Yes, Chicken Chili can be made in an Instant Pot by sautéing the aromatics and chicken, then adding the remaining ingredients and pressure cooking for about 10-12 minutes.
What beans work best in Chicken Chili?
White beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) are commonly used in white Chicken Chili, while kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans work well in red Chicken Chili.
How do I thicken Chicken Chili?
Chicken Chili can be thickened by simmering it longer, mashing some of the beans, or adding a cornstarch slurry or blended tortilla chips for extra thickness.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 422 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 89 mg
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Potassium: 911 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Vitamin A: 1,425 IU
- Vitamin C: 64.9 mg
- Calcium: 82 mg
- Iron: 4 mg

Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
Description
Ina Garten Chicken Chili recipe, a vibrant and flavorful dish serves 6-8 and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare and cook. This hearty and satisfying chili is perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the onions in oil over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
- Crush the tomatoes by hand or in batches in a food processor fitted with a steel blade (pulse 6 to 8 times).
- Add to the pot with the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked chicken to the chili and simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes.
- Serve with the toppings, or refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality canned tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Add Beans: If desired, add a can of black beans or kidney beans to the chili.
Garnish Creatively: Get creative with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped onions, and cilantro.