Table of Contents
Why This Chili Works
Protein-Packed: Lean chicken and fiber-rich black beans deliver staying power and muscle support.
Balanced and Nutritious: Includes vegetables, spices, protein, and fiber for a smart, comforting dinner.
One-Pot Convenience: Easy prep and cleanup make it ideal for busy weeknights or batch cooking.
Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced, but customizable for little ones or spice lovers.
Meal Prep & Freeze-Friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully for reliable weekday meals.
Ingredients
Base:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1″ pieces or shredded
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
Beans & Veggies:
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
Optional: 1 can (15 oz) corn or extra veggies (zucchini, carrots) for added color and nutrients
Liquids & Base Flavors:
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Seasonings:
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
Chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Diced avocado
Shredded cheese or dairy-free alternative
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Sauté the Aromatics & Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Stir in onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (3–4 min). Add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds.
2. Season and Build the Base
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
3. Add Tomatoes, Broth & Beans
Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and broth. Add black beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits for flavor.
4. Simmer
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld together. Adjust broth if it thickens too much.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle chili into bowls. Top with cilantro, lime juice, avocado, cheese, or yogurt as desired. Serve with warm cornbread or over rice for a filling dinner.
Flavor and Nutrition Tips
Use chicken thighs for richer flavor and texture; breasts keep it lean.
Black beans add fiber, vitamins, and a creamy texture.
Spice flexibility: Add cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeño for heat, or reduce spices for milder taste.
Broth choice: Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning at the end to control sodium.
Boost with veggies: Add zucchini, carrots, or even greens late in cooking for boost of color and nutrients.
Meal Prep & Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop over medium heat, adding a small splash of broth if needed.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Make-ahead tip: Chili often tastes better next day as flavors further develop—perfect for weekly meal prep.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
Offer toppings bar: lime wedges, cheese, avocado, tortilla chips—let everyone customize their bowl.
Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or whole grain for added texture.
Turn into loaded tacos or nachos—spoon chili onto tortillas, top with toppings, and bake briefly.
Use chili as filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked potatoes for creative leftovers.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté aromatics first, then combine everything and cook on low for 4–6 hrs or high for 2–3 hrs. In Instant Pot, use high pressure for 10 minutes and quick release.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
Omit chicken and add another can of beans or use lentils. Use vegetable broth to keep it veggie-based.
Q: Is it spicy?
It’s mild-to-medium. To ramp up heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Reduce spice for little ones.
Q: Can I cook chicken whole instead of cubed?
Yes—add whole chicken breasts and shred after cooking. Let it simmer another 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
Q: What’s a dairy-free topping?
Use avocado, cilantro, lime juice, dairy-free yogurt, or vegan cheese to keep it entirely plant-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Black Bean Chili is a reliable, protein-rich comfort food—just what you want after a long day. It’s satisfying, nutritious, and easy to adapt with meal prep in mind. With familiar ingredients and plenty of room for personalization, this recipe becomes a go-to for dinners that nourish body and soul.
