Zesty Green Chicken Chili Recipe

Warm up your evenings with a comforting bowl of Green Chicken Chili – a hearty and flavorful dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a spicy kick. This recipe perfectly blends the rich flavors of Hatch green chiles, juicy shredded chicken, and creamy cannellini beans, all simmered in a savory chicken broth. In under an hour, you can whip up a batch of this chili that’ll have your taste buds singing.

I first perfected this Green Chicken Chili recipe after numerous attempts to recreate the flavors of my favorite local spot. The secret? Taking the time to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re perfectly softened before adding in the chiles. The result is a deliciously rich and aromatic chili that will have your family and friends coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night or a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this chili is sure to hit the spot.

Set up a topping station with fresh avocado, grated cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream for those who like it cool. This versatile dish tastes even better as the flavors meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days. So, whether you’re planning a family dinner or a casual get-together, Green Chicken Chili is the go-to recipe that will warm hearts and bring smiles around your table.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and Filling: Perfect for cold weather or when you want a satisfying meal without feeling weighed down.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than an hour, ideal for busy evenings when you crave homemade goodness but lack time.
• Versatile Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, freezes well for future meals, and can be repurposed in various dishes like baked potatoes or enchiladas.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness to suit different preferences by choosing milder chiles or offering hot sauce on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Green Chicken Chili Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Comfort Food: Ideal for cold weather or when you want something filling but not heavy.
• Balanced Flavor: Rich kick of Hatch chiles, juicy chicken, and smooth beans come together.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than an hour, great for satisfying home-cooked meal cravings.
• Versatile Toppings: Avocado, cheese, tortilla strips, sour cream – endless options to customize each bowl.
• Flavor Development: Tastes even better a couple of days later as flavors mix and broth deepens.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Freeze in single-serving containers for quick, future lunches.
• Adjustable Spice Level: Choose milder or spicier chiles based on preferences, customize with hot sauce.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, can be stretched with extra beans or broth if more guests arrive.
• Cozy and Inviting: A warm bowl feels like a hug on a cold day, comforting and not too heavy.

Ingredients for Zesty Green Chicken Chili Recipe

Soup Base

• 2 cups Hatch green chiles, roasted and chopped
• 1 cup corn, sweet
• 1 yellow onion, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, green, diced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients

• 1 quart chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 (15-oz) can white cannellini beans, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 3 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 lime, squeezed for juice

Garnish

• Cilantro leaves
• Slices of avocado
• Optional: Your favorite hot sauce

Crispy Corn Chips (Optional)

• 10 tortillas (small corn ones), sliced into strips about 1/4 inch wide
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon chili spice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Pro Tips for Zesty Green Chicken Chili Recipe

Pro tip: To enhance the flavors of your green chicken chili, make sure to take the time to properly soften the onions and garlic before adding the chiles. This will help build a solid flavor foundation for your dish.

Pro tip: For an easy and delicious meal prep option, consider making extra green chicken chili to enjoy later. The flavors will have time to meld together, making the dish even tastier. Just be sure to warm it up slowly to prevent the chicken from becoming tough and rubbery.

Pro tip: Customize the heat level of your green chicken chili by adjusting the type and amount of chiles you use. For a milder version, opt for less spicy chiles or provide hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier kick. This way, you can cater to different preferences when serving the dish to guests.

How to Make Zesty Green Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up Corn Strips (Optional)

Toss tortilla pieces with oil, chili powder, and seasonings. Bake at 400°F for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy.

Step 2: Vegetable Base

Cook onions, corn, garlic, and peppers in oil in a pan until softened, stirring for 5–6 minutes.

Step 3: Spicing It Up

Combine roasted green chiles and spices, stir for 3-4 minutes. Add chicken, pour in chicken stock, and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Blend the Beans

Blend cannellini beans, cilantro, and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the chili for thickness.

Step 5: Wrap It Up

Drizzle with lime juice and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve in bowls topped with avocado slices, cilantro, hot sauce, and tortilla strips.

Storage Tips

After preparing your delicious Green Chicken Chili, storing it properly is key to maintaining its flavors. If you plan to enjoy it within a couple of days, store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool down completely before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth. This chili actually tastes even better a day or two later as the flavors meld together, creating a richer broth. When reheating, warm it up slowly on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough and rubbery.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the chili for future meals. To freeze, allow the chili to cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’s a good idea to freeze individual servings for easy reheating later. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chili, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator or gently in the microwave. You may need to stir or mash the beans slightly to restore the desired texture. Remember to label the containers with the date before freezing to keep track of freshness. Whether enjoying it fresh or from the freezer, this hearty dish is versatile and perfect for cozy meals at home.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this green chicken chili, you can easily swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. To add more protein and texture, consider adding extra beans like black beans or kidney beans. You could also try adding diced tofu for a plant-based protein option.

If you don’t have access to Hatch green chiles, you can substitute them with canned green chiles or poblano peppers for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For a smokier flavor, you could also incorporate a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Additionally, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or green onions for a fresh herb element. Remember to adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences when making these substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

Create a festive chili bar for your next gathering with friends or family. Set out bowls of fresh avocado chunks, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla strips as toppings for your green chicken chili. Let everyone customize their bowls to suit their taste preferences, whether they prefer extra creaminess, heat, or crunch.

For a fun twist on leftovers, try making green chicken chili enchiladas. Simply roll the chili mixture in tortillas, top with cheese and enchilada sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit with your family.

FAQs for Zesty Green Chicken Chili Recipe

Can I use canned green chiles instead of roasted fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute canned green chiles for roasted fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to drain them before adding them to the chili.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the chili based on your preference. For a spicier kick, you can add more chopped jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce in the recipe.

Can I freeze the green chicken chili?

Yes, you can freeze the green chicken chili for later. Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Remember to leave some space for expansion, and label the containers with the date. Thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I reheat the leftover chili without making the chicken tough?

To reheat the leftover chili without making the chicken tough, warm it up slowly over low to medium heat. Avoid rapid heating, as this can make the chicken rubbery. Stir the chili occasionally to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Green Chicken Chili warms your soul as much as it has warmed mine and those that I’ve shared it with. Finding that perfect balance of flavors and heat can make a dish truly special, and this chili delivers just that. The versatility of this dish makes it a perfect addition to your recipe collection – whether for a cozy family night in or a gathering with friends.

Remember, cooking is all about making memories and bringing people together. So, embrace the process of making this Green Chicken Chili, enjoy the aromas that fill your kitchen, and savor each spoonful of this comforting meal. Let the flavors meld together, and don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking with your favorite toppings. Here’s to many more delicious moments shared over a steaming bowl of Green Chicken Chili.