Ground chicken chili is a lighter, yet just as comforting, take on the classic chili everyone loves. It delivers bold flavor, rich texture, and satisfying warmth without feeling heavy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings with friends.
This chili starts with ground chicken, which absorbs spices beautifully while staying tender and juicy. When sautéed with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, it creates a flavorful base that sets the tone for the entire dish. A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a touch of oregano adds depth and gentle heat, while crushed tomatoes and broth bring everything together into a hearty, simmering pot of goodness.
What makes ground chicken chili especially appealing is its balance. It is lighter than beef chili, yet still filling and deeply comforting. Beans, whether kidney, black, or pinto, add creaminess and texture, while corn brings a subtle sweetness that brightens every bite. The result is a chili that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time.
This dish is also incredibly flexible. You can make it mild for family dinners or turn up the heat with jalapeños, chipotle, or cayenne. It works just as well on the stovetop as it does in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop slowly and beautifully. Like most chilis, it tastes even better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Ground chicken chili is perfect for serving with a variety of toppings. Sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime can completely transform each bowl. Pair it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or warm cilantro lime rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Beyond its taste, this chili fits easily into a busy lifestyle. It is easy to prepare, stores well, and can be frozen for future meals. It is the kind of recipe that becomes a reliable favorite, ready to warm you up on cold evenings or bring comfort after a long day.
If you are looking for a chili that feels familiar yet fresh, ground chicken chili is the perfect choice. It delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 ounces
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add ground chicken to the pot and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1-2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy your Ground Chicken Chili!
Nutrition
Gonna try this! But do I have to use chicken broth? Got veggie one instead?
You can totally use veggie broth instead! It should work just fine. It’ll be delicious!
Delicious! I added some corn and it was really good. First time trying ground chicken, and I’m impressed!
I’m so glad you liked it! Corn sounds like a great addition! I might try that next time.
I dunno, it looks too watery. Anyone else think it’s gonna end up like soup?
Nah, that don’t look like soup to me. I’ve made chili that was a bit watery too and it turned out great. It still had flavor!
I think it looks fine! Just let it simmer longer and it should thicken up. Chili is meant to be hearty! 🌶️
Chili without beans? Omg, where’s the traditional??
Chili can be made many ways, but beans are a must for me! This seems not right.
Simpl and tasty! 5 stars! Used diced green peppers too – yum!
I think green peppers would add a nice crunch! I’m not sure if chili should have those tho. 🤔 But glad you liked it!
Sounds good! But isn’t chili supposed to be made with beef? Chicken seems weird… 🤷♂️
This chili recipe is awesome! I made it for my family and they loved it! It’s a keeper for sure.
Y’all crazy, chili should have beef! Chicken is just wrong for chili. No offense tho.
Pretty solid chili! I used slightly less chili powder because I’m not trying to suffer, but the spice balance was still good. Texture was great after simmering—beans held up nicely.
I dunno, I feel like this needs more spice… I mean, chili should be spicy, right? 🤔
Okay but… I forgot to rinse the beans. It was still edible, just saltier and thicker. I guess lesson learned lol.
Tried it—mine came out watery. I think I didn’t reduce enough, and my tomatoes were more runny. Flavor was good though.
I messed up the steps lol. I cooked the onions too long and the garlic got a bit toasty, but the chili still tasted good. Would make again if I pay attention.
This turned out surprisingly hearty. The cumin + chili powder combo is legit, and 30 minutes simmering gave it a great depth. I added a bit of shredded cheddar on top and it was perfect.
Sounds good but I think 1 tsp cumin is a lot? Also mine got kinda watery—next time I’ll use less broth or simmer longer. Still tasty though!
Agreed—this combo really does something. I was skeptical about only 30 minutes, but the flavor definitely rounded out. Cheddar on top is the move.
Okay but the chili powder measurement is kinda vague? “2 tablespoons” is a lot if your brand is strong. I used 1.5 and it was perfect for me.
Made this for dinner tonight and it came out so flavorful—especially with the cumin and paprika. I added a squeeze of lime at the end and it really brightened it up. Will definitely make again!
Love hearing that! The cumin + paprika combo is definitely the heart of it. A squeeze of lime at the end sounds perfect—totally agree it brightens everything up. 🙌
I made something like this before but I think I went too heavy on the chili powder and it was kinda spicy and bitter. Lime might fix it? Also do you add the lime to the pot or just on top after serving?
This chili was amazing! I loved the spices you used.
The chicken got too dry for me. Maybe use more broth? Just a thought.
Made this tonight and it actually tastes like “real” chili. The cumin + paprika combo is spot on. I added a little extra chili powder and it kicked up the flavor.
Made this tonight—super comforting. The chili powder + cumin combo is on point, and the 25-30 min simmer really brings it together.
This is the best chili I’ve ever made! So easy and so tasty! 😍
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about chicken chili, but the aroma while simmering was awesome. The onions and garlic make a huge difference—don’t rush that step.
This is a really solid chili—quick, flavorful, and the cumin/paprika combo is on point. I added a squeeze of lime at the end and it tasted restaurant-level.
It’s fine. Tastes like chili-ish. Would eat again if I was hungry lol.
Haha same here—“chili-ish” is pretty spot on. The cumin + chili powder combo really makes it taste like the real deal. 😄
I dunno… mine came out a little bland until I added more salt and like a pinch of sugar. Also I used crushed tomatoes instead of diced and it was okay though.
Really good! My kids loved it! Just don’t overcook the chicken! 😂
Easy to make and tastes good! My kids actually ate it. Will make again!
Super easy! I tossed everything in and just simmered while I did other stuff. Also, 1 lb is the perfect amount for meal prep.
I was skeptical about ground chicken, but wow. It’s lighter than beef chili and the spices actually stand out.
Not bad. My onion took longer than “translucent” to soften (kinda burnt garlic a little). Next time I’ll watch the garlic more. Still ate it all 😂
Not bad at all! I added a pinch of brown sugar (like my aunt does) and it balanced the acidity from the tomatoes. Would make again.
Thanks! That makes total sense—tomatoes can be pretty sharp. I love the idea of adding a pinch of brown sugar like your aunt. 😊
Wait, brown sugar?? I usually just add more chili powder or salt. But I guess if it’s too tangy… 🤔 Might try a tiny pinch next time. Not sure about the “tomas” tho—are you using fresh tomatoes?
Made this tonight—so cozy. The cumin + paprika combo is spot on, and the chili powder actually tastes like something (not just heat). I let it simmer closer to 35 min and it thickened perfectly.
Honestly? 1 pound chicken for chili seems too light. Also chili powder measurement seems small compared to how spicy I like it. Still, it was edible and the instructions are clear.
Yummy! Will make this on a cold day for sure!
I don’t know about using chicken. Feels wrong. Red meat is where it’s at for chili!
Honestly, I don’t think chicken is the best for chili. I usually use beef. Still, it wasn’t bad.
Flavor is solid, but I found it a little thin—next time I’ll use less broth or simmer uncovered to thicken. Otherwise, easy and tasty for a weeknight.
This chili is delicious! I made it for my family and they loved it. Will definitely make again!
Yasss, this recipe is bomb! I made it in the slow cooker too, it turned out perfect!!!
Y’all, did I put too much garlic? I think I did. Still good tho.
Too much garlic can ruin it sometimes… but then again, who doesn’t like a strong taste? 🤷♂️
I love garlic! It adds flavor, don’t worry about it. Sounds delicious!
So good! I even used turkey instead of chicken and it still worked. Family asked for seconds. 10/10 easy weeknight dinner.
Turkey instead of chicken and it still worked? Guess I gotta try. I usually over-salt chili though 😅 what brand of chili powder did you use?
Totally agree—super easy and it really tastes like it took longer. I followed it exactly and my kids went back for more too!
Solid recipe. 5 stars. Easy. No notes.
Right? Super straightforward—made it for dinner and it turned out great. The spice combo is spot on.