Pineapple-Chipotle Chicken Chili
This Pineapple-Chipotle Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on a classic dish, blending sweet pineapple with spicy chipotle flavors for a unique culinary experience. Originally inspired by a beloved recipe, I embraced spontaneity to create a version that's both vibrant and comforting. Perfect for meal prep, the flavors deepen when made a day in advance. For those who prefer a meatier dish, feel free to add extra chicken or your protein of choice. Adjust the spice levels to cater to your taste: this mild-spicy chili is a canvas for your personal heat preferences, allowing you to customize with hot sauces or fresh chilis as desired.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken tenderloins
4 (sautéed and shredded)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
onion
1 large (chopped)
bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
pineapple tidbits
1 (20 ounce) can (reserved from the juice)
kidney beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (rinsed and drained)
chopped tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
tomato sauce
6 tablespoons (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
chicken broth
12 ounces (or water with bouillon)
chili seasoning mix
1/2 ounce (store-bought)
chili powder
to taste (seasoning)
cumin
to taste (seasoning)
cayenne pepper
to taste (seasoning)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing a large pot with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat.
2
Add the chicken tenderloins and sauté until they are nearly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped onion, and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
5
Pour in the reserved pineapple juice from the can, and set aside the tidbits for later.
6
Incorporate the rinsed kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth (or water with bouillon), chili seasoning mix, and spices (chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper). Stir everything together until well combined.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool down before refrigerating overnight for better flavor development.
9
When ready to serve, reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
10
Finally, stir in the cinnamon for a warm, aromatic finish.
11
Garnish each serving with pineapple tidbits on the side for a sweet crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pineapple-Chipotle Chicken Chili?
It is a sweet and spicy twist on traditional chili, blending chicken, pineapple, and chipotle-style spices for a vibrant and comforting meal.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 chicken tenderloins which are sautéed and then shredded.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted; just ensure they are cooked through before shredding.
What type of pineapple should I use?
A 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits is used, reserving the juice for the chili and the tidbits for garnishing.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The garlic should be minced, while the large onion and large bell pepper should be chopped.
What kind of beans are in this chili?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of kidney beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
Can I substitute the kidney beans with something else?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans would make excellent substitutes if you prefer a different texture.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer covered for 45 minutes.
Why is it recommended to refrigerate the chili overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the sweet and spicy flavors to deepen and develop more complexity.
What is the spice level of this chili?
It is considered a mild-spicy dish, but the heat can be customized to your preference.
How can I make the chili spicier?
You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper, add more chili powder, or incorporate fresh hot chilis and hot sauce.
What is the purpose of adding cinnamon?
Adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon at the end provides a warm, aromatic finish to the dish.
Do I use the pineapple juice in the chili?
Yes, the reserved juice from the canned pineapple is poured into the pot during the cooking process.
What liquid is used for the base of the chili?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of chicken broth, though water with a bouillon cube can also be used.
Is tomato paste necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 6 ounces of tomato paste are used to help thicken the chili and add depth of flavor.
How do I shred the chicken?
After sautéing the tenderloins for 5-7 minutes, remove them from the pot and use two forks to shred the meat.
What should I use to garnish the chili?
Garnish each serving with the reserved pineapple tidbits on the side for a sweet crunch.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because the flavors improve over time, it is an ideal dish to make in advance for meal prepping.
Can I add more meat to the chili?
Absolutely; if you prefer a meatier chili, feel free to add extra chicken or your choice of protein.
What canned tomato products are needed?
You will need 28 ounces of chopped tomatoes, 6 tablespoons of tomato sauce, and 6 ounces of tomato paste.
What seasonings are included in the mix?
The dish uses a store-bought chili seasoning mix, plus extra chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to taste.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it is warmed through.
What cooking spray should I use?
Any standard nonstick cooking spray can be used to prepare the large pot for sautéing.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the simmering time or liquid content to achieve the desired consistency.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
Two minced garlic cloves are added during the vegetable sautéing step.
Is the onion sautéed with the chicken?
The onion and bell pepper are added to the pot after the chicken has been sautéing for about 5-7 minutes.
Can I use a slow cooker for this chili?
While the instructions specify a pot, you can transfer the sautéed ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I prevent the chili from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom.
Is this chili gluten-free?
It depends on your choice of chili seasoning mix and bouillon; ensure those items are certified gluten-free if needed.
What size pot is recommended?
A large pot is recommended to accommodate the chicken, vegetables, beans, and liquid base.