Ground Chicken Chili Recipe

Update : February 17, 2026

Delicious bowl of ground chicken chili topped with fresh herbs.

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Chicken Chili is a wonderful, hearty meal that everyone will love. It’s packed with protein from the ground chicken and loaded with vegetables and beans. Not only is it delicious, but it is also healthy and easy to make. If you’re looking for a comforting dish that can warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is perfect. Plus, you can enjoy it as leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!

How to Make Ground Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 bell peppers, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
28 oz diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 cup chicken broth
2 small jalapeño peppers, optional (diced for a spicy chili)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Jalapeños, for serving
Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft.
Add the ground chicken to the pot. Cook with the vegetables until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 30-60 seconds, mixing well with the veggies and ground chicken.
Add the remaining ingredients: diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir everything together.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Taste the chili and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Keep in mind that simmering longer will thicken the chili, and it will thicken more as it cools.
Serve hot topped with cheese, sour cream, corn chips, jalapeños, or whatever toppings you love.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Chili

Ground Chicken Chili is best served hot. You can dish it up in bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and corn chips. Serve it with fresh bread, over rice, or simply on its own.

How to Store Ground Chicken Chili

Leftover Ground Chicken Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just place it in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Ground Chicken Chili

For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
Use fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor when serving.
Add other vegetables such as corn or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Variation

You can easily customize this chili by using different types of beans or ground meats, such as turkey or beef. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more beans or lentils.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can chop fresh chicken into small pieces and cook it in the same way. Just ensure it’s cooked through before adding other ingredients.

2. Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this chili are gluten-free, but it’s always good to check product labels if you have a gluten intolerance.

3. How spicy is this chili?
The spice level can be adjusted easily. If you want it milder, simply omit the jalapeños or use fewer. For more heat, you can add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.