Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Ina Garten Chicken Chili

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.

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Ina 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)
Chicken Chili Ingredients
Chicken Chili Ingredients

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Chili

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add tomato base: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato purée, and tomato paste. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Simmer the chili: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
  6. Garnish and serve: Serve hot, topped with chopped herbs, sour cream, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips as desired.
Ina Garten Chicken Chili
Ina Garten Chicken Chili

Recipe Tips

  • 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
Ina Garten Chicken Chili
Ina Garten Chicken Chili

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.

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Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

360

kcal

A hearty and spicy chicken chili loaded with bell peppers, tomatoes, and bold spices—perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1½ tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic

  • 1½ lbs ground chicken

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato purée

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 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.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.