Zesty Green Chicken Chili
Elevate your dinner game with this Zesty Green Chicken Chili, inspired by the flavors of a classic taco salad. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, combining tender shredded chicken or turkey with a vibrant tomatillo salsa, warm spices, and a hint of lime. The addition of crispy tortilla chips gives it a delightful crunch, while fresh cilantro adds a touch of brightness. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad, making it a perfect figure-friendly meal the whole family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotisserie-cooked chicken or shredded cooked turkey
1 (stripped and shredded)
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
3 tablespoons (none)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (chopped)
Jalapeño
1 (seeded and chopped)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Tomatillo salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (none)
Beer
12 ounces (any brand you like)
Chicken stock
1 quart (none)
Tortilla chips
4 cups (divided (approx. 4 handfuls))
Fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (to taste (or 1 handful))
Lime
2 (juice of)
Instructions
1
In a heavy pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and seeded and chopped jalapeño. Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
Sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin, stirring well and cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
4
Pour in the jar of tomatillo salsa, followed by the beer and chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shredded chicken or turkey. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
6
While the chili is simmering, use a food processor to grind 2 handfuls of tortilla chips with the fresh cilantro leaves until finely blended. If a food processor is not available, finely chop the cilantro and crush the chips with the flat of a knife.
7
Stir the crushed chip and cilantro mixture into the chili and let it cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken.
8
Once thickened and flavorful, remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten the dish.
9
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your remaining tortilla chips or warm fresh tortillas by the side.
10
For extra richness, garnish with sour cream and shredded cheese, if desired. Enjoy every warm and zesty spoonful!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Green Chicken Chili?
It is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by taco salad flavors that combines shredded chicken or turkey with tomatillo salsa, warm spices, and a hint of lime.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using one rotisserie-cooked chicken that has been stripped and shredded for ease and flavor.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, shredded cooked turkey is a perfect substitute for chicken in this chili recipe.
What gives the chili its green color?
The green color comes primarily from the jar of tomatillo salsa and the fresh cilantro leaves added during the thickening process.
How many ingredients are in this Zesty Green Chicken Chili?
There are a total of 13 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights and features a relatively short simmering time once the ingredients are combined.
What is the purpose of adding tortilla chips to the chili?
Crushed tortilla chips are blended with cilantro and stirred into the pot to help thicken the chili and add flavor.
How do I prepare the thickening mixture?
Use a food processor to grind two handfuls of tortilla chips with fresh cilantro until finely blended.
What if I do not have a food processor for the chips?
You can finely chop the cilantro and crush the chips manually with the flat side of a knife.
What type of salsa is required?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce jar of tomatillo salsa.
Does this recipe include alcohol?
Yes, it uses 12 ounces of beer, which helps build the flavor profile of the broth.
Can I use any brand of beer?
Yes, the recipe states you can use any brand of beer that you like.
How much chicken stock is needed?
You will need 1 quart of chicken stock for the base of the chili.
What spices are used in this green chili?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How is the jalapeño prepared?
The jalapeño should be seeded and chopped before being sautéed with the other vegetables.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is recommended for sautéing the onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
The onion, garlic, and jalapeño should be sautéed for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
When should I add the lime juice?
Stir in the fresh lime juice at the very end after removing the pot from the heat to brighten the dish.
What are the recommended garnishes for this chili?
For extra richness, you can garnish the chili with sour cream and shredded cheese.
How should this dish be served?
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with remaining tortilla chips or warm fresh tortillas on the side.
What is a good side dish for this chili?
It pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad, making for a figure-friendly meal.
How long does the chili need to simmer after adding the meat?
It should simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the thickener.
How long does the chili cook after adding the chip mixture?
Once the crushed chips and cilantro are added, cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes to let it thicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty flavor profile with a mild to moderate heat level from the jalapeño and chili powder.
How many limes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for the juice of 2 limes.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 chopped garlic cloves.
What kind of pot is recommended?
A heavy pot is recommended to ensure even heating during the cooking process.
Can I use fresh cilantro to taste?
Yes, the recipe suggests 1/4 cup or a handful of fresh cilantro leaves.
Why should I toast the spices?
Stirring the spices into the sautéed vegetables for one minute helps toast them and release their full aroma.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal that the whole family will love due to its comforting and vibrant flavors.