This Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe is spicy and hearty, which includes ground chicken and crushed tomatoes. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 55 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Chicken Chili Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ pounds ground chicken (or cooked, shredded chicken breast)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can tomato purée
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Sour cream, shredded cheddar, or tortilla chips (optional toppings)

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Chili
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
- Add spices and garlic: Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, stir it in and cook for a few minutes to heat through.
- Add tomato base: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato purée, and tomato paste. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Garnish and serve: Serve hot, topped with chopped herbs, sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips as desired.

Recipe Tips
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Can I make it milder?
Reduce or omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes for a gentler heat. -
What’s the best chicken to use?
Ground chicken is quick and easy, but shredded rotisserie chicken works great too. -
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge overnight. -
How to thicken the chili:
Simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid. -
Can I add beans?
Yes! Add a can of drained black or kidney beans during the final simmer.
What To Serve With Chicken Chili
This chili is satisfying on its own but pairs well with:
- Cornbread or crusty bread
- White or brown rice
- Tortilla chips or nachos
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Fresh garden salad

How To Store Chicken Chili
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freeze: Let the chili cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Chicken Chili Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Calcium: 90mg
- Iron: 4mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion size.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the chicken and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely, it works just as well and is a great alternative.
How spicy is this chili?
It has a medium heat. Adjust cayenne and red pepper to your liking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a large pot and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your tomato products.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes40
minutes360
kcalA hearty and spicy chicken chili loaded with bell peppers, tomatoes, and bold spices—perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
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¼ cup olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
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1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
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1 tsp cayenne pepper
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1 tsp cumin
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1½ tsp chili powder
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1 tsp oregano
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1 tbsp minced garlic
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1½ lbs ground chicken
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (14 oz) can tomato purée
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional toppings: fresh herbs, sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips
Directions
- Heat olive oil in pot. Sauté onion and peppers for 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices; cook 1 minute.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomatoes, purée, and paste. Season.
- Simmer covered 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with garnishes of choice.
