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Ground Chicken Chili

Ground Chicken vs Ground Beef

When it comes to cozy comfort meals like chili or tacos, both ground chicken and ground beef bring something to the table. Ground chicken is a lighter option that’s naturally lower in saturated fat and calories, making it a great choice if you’re aiming for a balanced meal that still feels hearty. It also absorbs spices beautifully, so every bite is flavorful without feeling heavy. Ground beef, on the other hand, adds richness and that classic comfort-food depth. The trick is balance, using ground chicken lets you enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors you love with a bit more nutrition packed in every spoonful.

Ground Chicken (93% lean): ~170 calories, 9g fat, 22g protein

Ground Beef (85% lean): ~240 calories, 17g fat, 21g protein

Toppings for Chili

The best part about a cozy bowl of chili is dressing it up with your favorite toppings. Whether you like it creamy, crunchy, or fresh, there’s no wrong way to finish your bowl. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese adds that classic melt, while a spoonful of sour cream brings cool balance to the heat. Top it with sliced green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. For extra creaminess, add diced avocado, or if you crave crunch, toss on some tortilla chips. The toppings not only make every bite exciting but also turn your bowl into a personalized, flavor-packed meal.

Storing and Reheating

This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or cozy leftovers. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months, it reheats beautifully!

To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened in the fridge. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or cheese after reheating to bring back that just-made flavor and texture.

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Ground Chicken Chili

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  • Author: Alli

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 1 lb ground chicken

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 ½ tbsp chili powder

  • 1 tbsp cumin

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp dried oregano

  • ½–1 tsp salt, to taste

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 3 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Sour cream

  • Sliced green onions

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Diced avocado

  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

  2.  Add ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink.

  3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.

  4. Stir in tomato paste and cook another minute to deepen the flavor.

  5. Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.

  6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook for about 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  7. Check seasoning, add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.

  8.  Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

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