Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili
This Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili is a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Bursting with flavors from tender chicken thighs, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a medley of spices, this dish takes traditional chili to new heights with a smoky twist thanks to the addition of chipotle peppers. The richness of cocoa can be gently adjusted to suit your family's preference, making it a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy. Serve it hot, topped with crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds, alongside warm corn tortillas for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
1 tablespoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
medium green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
jalapeño chiles
2 (seeded and chopped)
diced fire-roasted tomatoes
2 (14 1/2 ounce cans) (undrained)
water
1/2 cup (none)
unsweetened baking cocoa
1 tablespoon (chopped (may use 2 tablespoons if desired))
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (coarse)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pumpkin seeds
to taste (roasted, salted, and hulled)
corn tortillas
to taste (soft)
Instructions
1
In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chicken pieces to the pot; sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is nicely browned.
3
Incorporate the chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño chiles. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables have softened.
4
Pour in the undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, followed by the water, unsweetened baking cocoa (adjust to taste), chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the center) and the chili reaches your desired consistency.
7
Ladle the chili into bowls and sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor.
8
Serve immediately with warm corn tortillas on the side for dipping and wrapping.
Nutrition Information
11.67
Fat
20
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili?
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili is a hearty dish featuring chicken thighs, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a complex flavor profile created by cocoa, cinnamon, and chili powder.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
There are approximately 300 calories in a serving of this recipe.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 3/4-inch pieces for maximum tenderness.
How much protein does this chili provide?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
Is there any special ingredient that adds depth to the flavor?
Yes, unsweetened baking cocoa and ground cinnamon are used to add a rich, smoky depth to the chili.
Can I adjust the amount of cocoa in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of cocoa but notes you can use up to 2 tablespoons depending on your preference.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
You should use two 14.5-ounce cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes.
Should I drain the fire-roasted tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be added undrained to provide the necessary liquid for the chili base.
How long does it take to simmer the chili?
The chili should simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
What toppings are recommended for this chicken chili?
It is recommended to top the bowls with roasted, salted, and hulled pumpkin seeds.
What should I serve on the side?
Warm corn tortillas are the perfect accompaniment for dipping and wrapping.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate heat from two seeded and chopped jalapeño chiles and chili powder.
How much fat is in this dish?
The recipe contains 11.67 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of pot is best for cooking this chili?
A 4-quart Dutch oven is ideal for browning the chicken and simmering the ingredients.
Do I need to cook the chicken before adding the vegetables?
Yes, you should sauté the chicken pieces for 5 to 6 minutes until browned before adding the onions and peppers.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeño chiles.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, with a total simmer time of under 20 minutes, it is designed for busy weeknights.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted, though thighs are preferred for their moisture and flavor.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
One tablespoon of standard cooking oil is required to brown the chicken.
How do I prepare the jalapeños?
The jalapeños should be seeded and chopped before being added to the pot.
Does this recipe use water or broth?
This specific version uses 1/2 cup of water along with the juices from the tomatoes.
What is the purpose of the pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, add a crunchy texture and salty finish to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center after simmering.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe considered Mexican cuisine?
It is tagged as Mexican cuisine due to the use of chipotle flavors, jalapeños, and corn tortillas.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients in this smoky chicken chili recipe.
Should the chili be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to simmer the chili uncovered to reach the desired consistency.
What is the total preparation time for the vegetables?
Vegetables are sautéed for about 2 minutes until softened after the chicken has been browned.