Easy Weeknight Ground Chicken Chili

The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

When time is tight and you need something that’s hearty, healthy, and fast, this Easy Weeknight Ground Chicken Chili comes to the rescue. Made with lean ground chicken, beans, tomatoes, and classic chili spices, it’s a one-pot wonder you’ll turn to again and again.

Whether you’re juggling homework and dinner prep or just craving comfort food without the heavy guilt, this chili hits all the right notes:

• ✅ Protein-packed and satisfying

• ✅ Ready in 35 minutes

• ✅ Customizable for the whole family

• ✅ One pot = fewer dishes

• ✅ No pork, bacon, alcohol, or complicated steps

Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, customization ideas, storage tips, and answers to all your chili questions.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is built around simple, budget-friendly pantry staples—no hard-to-find ingredients here!

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean)

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

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

• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or navy beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1½ teaspoons chili powder (adjust for spice level)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional but recommended)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free)

• Diced avocado

• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• Green onions

• Crushed tortilla chips or strips

• Fresh lime wedges

🥄 How to Make Ground Chicken Chili (Step-by-Step)

This chili recipe comes together in just 35 minutes using one pot. Perfect for when you’re short on time but want big flavor.

🔪 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

🍗 Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken

Add ground chicken to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until fully browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

🌶️ Step 3: Add Spices & Tomato Paste

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and deepen the flavor.

🫘 Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes & Broth

Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, both types of beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

🍋 Step 5: Finish with Lime & Cilantro

Once the chili has thickened slightly, stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning as needed.

🍽️ Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Ladle chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve with tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or a simple side salad.

💡 Customization Tips & Substitutions

This chili is super flexible—here’s how you can make it your own:

🍴 What to Serve with Ground Chicken Chili

This hearty chili is a full meal on its own, but here are some great pairings:

• Cornbread – Classic pairing, great for soaking up the chili

• Tortilla chips or tostadas – Crunchy contrast to the soft chili

• Brown rice or quinoa – Stretch it further with a grain base

• Stuffed in bell peppers or baked potatoes – Great for leftovers

• Side salad – A light, crisp contrast to a warm, hearty bowl

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about this chili? It’s meal-prep and freezer-friendly.

In the Fridge:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth if needed.

In the Freezer:

• Let chili cool completely.

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or silicone bags.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

✅ Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Chili

• Quick (ready in 35 minutes)

• One-pot, low-mess recipe

• High in protein, low in saturated fat

• Full of fiber-rich beans and veggies

• Kid-approved and customizable

• Budget-friendly and pantry-based

• Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free optional, and alcohol-free

🧠 FAQ – Ground Chicken Chili Questions, Answered

❓ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe with very similar flavor and texture.

❓ Is this chili spicy?

This recipe is mild to medium, depending on your chili powder. Adjust the heat by adding more spice or omitting the jalapeño if you’re sensitive.

❓ Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the chicken, onions, and garlic first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker.

• Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

• Stir in lime and cilantro just before serving.

❓ Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought broth or spice blends to be sure.

❓ How do I thicken the chili?

• Let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.

• Add more tomato paste.

• Use an immersion blender to partially blend a small portion of the chili for thickness.

❓ Can I double the recipe?

Yes! It scales beautifully. Use a large pot and freeze half for future dinners.

🥣 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: ~28g

• Carbs: ~22g

• Fat: ~12g

• Fiber: ~6g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Sodium: ~500mg (varies with broth)

🔄 Leftover Magic: What to Do with Extra Chili

• Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

• Chili Nachos with Cheese & Guac

• Taco Salad with Chili Topping

• Quesadillas with Chili & Cheese Inside

• Eggs + Chili = Spicy Breakfast Scramble

❤️ Final Thoughts

This Easy Weeknight Ground Chicken Chili is the kind of recipe that makes weeknights easier, tastier, and more satisfying. It’s healthy, cozy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable—without needing a long grocery list or hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, planning for leftovers, or just need a warm, comforting bowl of something good—you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.