Hearty Tortilla Chicken Chili
Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this Hearty Tortilla Chicken Chili, a prize-winning recipe that has delighted taste buds at the Annual ECP Chili Cook Off. This mouthwatering chili features tender, stewed chicken, plump black beans, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. The inclusion of yellow onions, bell peppers, and corn adds texture and sweetness, while a special blend of spices ensures just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming heat. Perfect for family gatherings, summer farmers markets, or any occasion, this chili is sure to bring smiles to your table. Whether you're a seasoned chili lover or trying it for the first time, this heartwarming dish will leave you craving more!
40-50
Servings
300
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing baking hens
4 (Thawed and rinsed)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (For sautéing)
Rice vinegar
1/4 cup (Optional for dressing)
Yellow onions
10 cups (Chopped)
Bell peppers
6 (Diced)
Garlic cloves
9 (Minced)
Chicken broth
3 quarts (Reserved from cooking)
Diced tomatoes
3 (28 ounce) cans (Canned)
Tomato puree
2 (28 ounce) cans (Canned)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (From Penzys)
Cayenne powder
1 tablespoon (For heat)
Black pepper
2 tablespoons (Ground)
Salt
1 tablespoon (To taste)
Sweet corn kernels
6 cups (Frozen or fresh)
Dried black beans
3 lbs (Soaked overnight)
Limes
3 (Juiced)
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the dried black beans in water overnight. Once soaked, drain and set aside.
2
Thaw the stewing hens and rinse thoroughly. Drain and refrigerate them overnight.
3
In a large pot, parboil the soaked beans for 2 hours. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large stock pot, add the stewing hens and enough water to cover them. Bring to a high simmer and cook for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
5
Remove the hens from the pot, letting them cool slightly. Debone the hens and set the meat aside. Return the bones to the pot, simmering the remaining broth uncovered for an additional 2 hours to intensify the flavor.
6
Heat vegetable oil in a 3-gallon Nesco over high heat. Add the deboned chicken and brown it well. Then, add the chopped yellow onions and cook until they start to caramelize. Add the diced bell peppers and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until fragrant.
7
Stir in one-third of your spice blend along with the diced tomatoes, tomato puree, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and stir in the second third of the spice blend. Allow it to simmer at 350°F for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
9
Thirty minutes before serving, add the last third of the spice blend, along with the corn and parboiled beans. If needed, add one quart of the reserved bean liquid to adjust the consistency of the chili.
10
Serve hot topped with garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, chopped white onions, and oyster crackers for an added crunch.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
60g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tortilla Chicken Chili?
It is a prize-winning comfort dish featuring tender stewed chicken, black beans, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth, known for its appearance at the Annual ECP Chili Cook Off.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for large gatherings and provides approximately 40 to 50 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this chili?
The main ingredients include 4 stewing baking hens, dried black beans, yellow onions, bell peppers, corn, diced tomatoes, and a specific blend of chili spices.
Has this recipe won any awards?
Yes, it is a prize-winning recipe from the Annual ECP Chili Cook Off.
How should I prepare the dried black beans?
Soak 3 lbs of dried black beans in water overnight, then parboil them for 2 hours before adding them to the chili.
How long should I cook the stewing hens?
The hens should be simmered in water for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender enough to debone.
How do I make the broth more flavorful?
After deboning the hens, return the bones to the pot and simmer the broth uncovered for an additional 2 hours to intensify the flavor.
What is the best way to cook the onions for this recipe?
The chopped yellow onions should be cooked in vegetable oil until they start to caramelize, which adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 6 diced bell peppers.
What spices are used in the spice blend?
The blend consists of chili powder, cayenne powder, ground black pepper, and salt.
Is this chili very spicy?
No, it is designed to provide warmth without overwhelming heat and is often categorized as a best mild chili.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You will need three 28-ounce cans of diced tomatoes and two 28-ounce cans of tomato puree.
At what temperature should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer at 350°F for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
When should I add the corn and beans?
Add the 6 cups of sweet corn kernels and the parboiled black beans thirty minutes before you plan to serve the chili.
What can I use to adjust the consistency of the chili?
If the chili is too thick, you can add one quart of the reserved bean liquid to reach your desired consistency.
What are the recommended toppings for this dish?
Serve the chili hot with shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, chopped white onions, and oyster crackers.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the nutritional breakdown for fat and protein?
Each serving contains about 12g of fat and 20g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving of this chili contains approximately 60g of carbohydrates.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 9 minced garlic cloves.
Should the corn be fresh or frozen?
You can use either frozen or fresh sweet corn kernels for this recipe.
What kind of oil should be used for browning?
1/4 cup of vegetable oil is recommended for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
How much onion is used in total?
A total of 10 cups of chopped yellow onions are used in the base of the chili.
When is the spice blend added?
The spice blend is added in three stages: one-third during browning, one-third during the initial boil, and the final third 30 minutes before serving.
Is lime juice included in the recipe?
Yes, the juice of 3 limes is used to add a bright, acidic finish to the chili.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of salt, but it can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What is the purpose of the rice vinegar?
The 1/4 cup of rice vinegar is listed as an optional ingredient that can be used for dressing.
Can I make this chili in a Nesco?
Yes, the instructions specifically suggest using a 3-gallon Nesco for browning the chicken and simmering the mixture.
Why are the hens refrigerated overnight?
Rinsing and refrigerating the thawed hens overnight ensures they are properly prepped and ready for the long simmering process.
Is this a good recipe for a farmers market?
Yes, the description notes it is a perfect dish for summer farmers markets and family gatherings.