High Protein Chicken Chili
A delightful dish that warms the heart and soul, combining rich flavors and hearty ingredients for the ultimate comfort food experience, packed with protein.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil adds richness and depth to the dish.
- 1 medium white onion, diced brings sweetness and aromatic flavor as it cooks.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced for a hint of sweetness and color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced packed with flavor, garlic enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder adds a smoky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin for an earthy, nutty aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano infuses a hint of herbal freshness.
- 2 cups chicken bone broth (or regular chicken stock) the base for a flavorful chili.
- 2 (15-oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes brings acidity and depth.
- 1 (4-oz) can chopped green chiles adds a delightful kick.
- 1/2 cup whole kernel corn for sweetness and texture.
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained nutritional powerhouses filled with fiber.
- 1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained creaminess to balance the dish.
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (about 4 cups) the star protein of the dish.
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese (or plain Greek yogurt) adds creaminess and additional protein.
- to taste Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper simple essentials for seasoning.
Optional Toppings
- to taste chopped cilantro
- to taste tortilla chips
- to taste diced avocado
- to taste red onion
- to taste lime wedges
- to taste shredded cheese
- to taste sour cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Opt for a heavy-bottomed pot to minimize the chance of sticking and to provide even heat distribution.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the bell pepper softens.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Allow these aromatics to cook for about a minute until they release their delightful fragrance, signaling the spices are toasted.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth and scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the pot’s bottom. This step is critical as it boosts the overall taste of your chili.
- Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, green chiles, corn, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing all the flavors to marry beautifully.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the chili to thicken slightly, and the flavors meld together nicely.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through, enriching the chili with hearty protein.
- Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt). This step should be done off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your perfect bowl of High Protein Chicken Chili is ready to serve hot, bursting with flavor and warmth!
Notes
For enhanced sweetness, sauté veggies longer. Feel free to add different types of beans or chickpeas for more texture. Adjust heat with hot sauce as needed.