Chicken chili is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug. It is simple, comforting and full of flavor.
Ina Garten chicken chili Recipe is especially good because it is creamy and hearty. This dish is perfect for cold nights, busy days or a cozy family dinner.
If you want a dish that is easy and satisfying, this Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe is a great choice. It is also a great way to use leftover chicken.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Chicken Chili
I first tried this chicken chili on a rainy day. The smell filled the kitchen fast. It was creamy and slightly spicy. My family loved it and they asked for seconds.
The best part is that it is easy to make. You don’t need many ingredients, and the steps are simple.
I like how the chili tastes even better the next day. It is one of those meals you can cook once and enjoy twice.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
Sauté the Onion
Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic
Stir in garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Add Spices
Add cumin, chili powder and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions.
Add Chicken
Add shredded chicken to the pot. Stir until mixed with spices.
Add Beans and Chilies
Add white beans and green chilies. Stir gently to combine.
Pour Chicken Broth
Add chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Chili
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Blend Half the Chili
Use a blender to blend half the chili for creaminess.
Add Cream
Stir in heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling.
Add Cheese
Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper. Adjust spices as you like.
Garnish and Serve
Top with cilantro and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
- Use cooked chicken for quick cooking.
- Blend half the chili for a creamy texture.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
- Let it simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry.
- Blending all the chili makes it too thick.
- Adding cream to boiling chili can curdle it.
- Using too much chili powder makes it too spicy.
- Not tasting before serving can leave it bland.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken chili is best served hot. You can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese. It goes well with warm bread or tortilla chips.
A fresh salad on the side also works great. This chili is perfect for dinner parties or a simple weeknight meal.
Variations You Can Try
- Add corn for sweetness.
- Use black beans instead of white beans.
- Add jalapeños for more heat.
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
- Add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
Health Benefits
This chicken chili is full of protein and fiber. The beans add good fiber for digestion. Chicken gives lean protein for energy.
The spices also add antioxidants. It is a healthy and filling meal for the whole family. Just use low-fat cream if you want it lighter.
Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 boneless chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 2 cans white beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 can chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Onion
- Heat olive oil in a pot. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic
- Stir in garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Add Spices
- Add cumin, chili powder and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions.
Add Chicken
- Add shredded chicken to the pot. Stir until mixed with spices.
Add Beans and Chilies
- Add white beans and green chilies. Stir gently to combine.
Pour Chicken Broth
- Add chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Chili
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Blend Half the Chili
- Use a blender to blend half the chili for creaminess.
Add Cream
- Stir in heavy cream. Heat gently without boiling.
Add Cheese
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Season to Taste
- Add salt and pepper. Adjust spices as you like.
Garnish and Serve
- Top with cilantro and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken for quick cooking.
- Blend half the chili for a creamy texture.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
- Let it simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great. It saves time and adds flavor to the chili.
2. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Cook on low for 4–6 hours for best flavor.
3. Is this chili spicy?
No, it is mild. You can add more chili powder if you like heat.
4. Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
Yes, coconut milk works. It adds a slight tropical flavor to the chili.
5. Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe is a simple, cozy and tasty meal. It is perfect for family dinners or busy days.
The creamy texture and mild spice make it a crowd favorite. You can customize it easily with your favorite toppings.
Try this recipe, and you will love how easy it is to make. This chili will soon become a go-to meal in your home.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!