Garden Fresh Black Bean and Chicken Chili
This hearty and nutritious Garden Fresh Black Bean and Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that showcases the bounties of late summer vegetables from my personal garden. Bursting with flavor, it combines tender shredded chicken with vibrant zucchini, sweet corn, and earthy black beans, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The blend of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that will have your family eagerly gathered around the table. With no heat added to the recipe, it’s perfect for all palates, making it a big hit even among the pickiest eaters. Serve with a slice of cornbread for a comforting meal that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (seasoned)
chili powder
2 pinches + 2 tablespoons (for seasoning chicken and adding to the chili)
cumin
2 pinches + 1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning chicken and adding to the chili)
black pepper
1 pinch + 1 teaspoon (for seasoning chicken and adding to the chili)
thyme
1 pinch + 2 pinches (for seasoning chicken and adding to the chili)
tomato sauce
4 cups (none)
black beans
1 (19 ounce) can (well rinsed)
zucchini
2 medium (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
fresh corn niblets
1 1/2 cups (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons (for balancing flavors)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and thyme.
2
Preheat the grill to medium heat and grill the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side or until it's fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For an alternative method, you can pan fry the chicken in a skillet for a similar flavor.
3
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it cool slightly, then shred it into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside.
4
In a large pot over medium-low heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped onion, diced zucchini, corn, and minced garlic for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
5
Stir in the rinsed black beans along with the remaining spices—salt, black pepper, and sugar—and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken and the flavors to deepen.
7
Lastly, gently fold in the shredded chicken and let the chili simmer, covered, for another 5 minutes to warm through and combine all the flavors.
8
Serve while hot, ideally alongside a piece of cornbread, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Black Bean and Chicken Chili?
It is a hearty, nutritious dish featuring shredded chicken, zucchini, sweet corn, and black beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
What are the main protein sources in this recipe?
The primary protein sources are 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and a 19-ounce can of black beans.
How should the chicken be seasoned before cooking?
The chicken should be seasoned evenly with chili powder, cumin, black pepper, and thyme.
What are the suggested methods for cooking the chicken?
You can grill the chicken on medium heat for about 5 minutes per side or pan-fry it in a skillet.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How should the chicken be prepared after it is cooked?
Once cooled slightly, the chicken should be shredded into small, bite-sized pieces.
Which vegetables are included in this garden-fresh chili?
The recipe includes zucchini, fresh corn niblets, onion, and garlic.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the chopped onion, diced zucchini, corn, and minced garlic for approximately 10 minutes until tender.
What preparation is required for the black beans?
The black beans should be well rinsed before being added to the pot.
What additional spices are added along with the black beans?
Salt, black pepper, and sugar are added to the pot with the beans.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
Sugar is added to help balance the flavors of the chili.
How much tomato sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of tomato sauce.
How long should the chili simmer after adding the tomato sauce?
It should simmer covered for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken.
When is the shredded chicken added to the chili?
The chicken is folded in after the sauce has simmered for 15-20 minutes.
Is there a final simmer step?
Yes, after adding the chicken, simmer the chili covered for another 5 minutes to warm everything through.
What is the recommended serving suggestion for this chili?
It is ideally served hot alongside a piece of cornbread.
Is this chicken chili spicy?
No, there is no heat added to this recipe, making it suitable for all palates and picky eaters.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as gluten-free.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The two medium zucchinis should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
How much fresh corn niblets are needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of fresh corn niblets.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What tags are associated with this meal?
Tags include chicken chili, black beans, vegetable chili, healthy meal, garden fresh, and comfort food.
How much chili powder is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 pinches for the chicken and 2 tablespoons for the chili itself.
How much cumin is required for the recipe?
You will need 2 pinches for seasoning the chicken and 1 1/2 teaspoons for the chili.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe calls for one medium chopped onion.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and healthy meal featuring fresh vegetables and lean chicken.
Can the chicken be pan fried?
Yes, pan frying the chicken in a skillet is an alternative method to grilling.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for families?
Yes, it is a big hit among families and even the pickiest eaters due to its mild, comforting flavor.