Ground Chicken Chili – Cozy, Flavorful, and Surprisingly Healthy
Need a warm, hearty dish that checks all the boxes for comfort food, easy prep, and wholesome ingredients?
Say hello to Ground Chicken Chili—your new go-to for cozy nights, meal prep wins, and game-day gatherings. It’s packed with protein, loaded with veggies, and bursting with bold, smoky flavors—all while being lighter than your typical beef chili.

Why This Chili is a Game-Changer
- Big flavor, minimal effort – Let the spices do the work while you sit back and enjoy the aroma.
- Hearty but healthy – All the satisfaction of a rich chili without the heaviness.
- Super customizable – Load it up with extra veggies, switch up the beans, or make it as mild or spicy as you like.
The Magic Starts with Fresh, Vibrant Ingredients
This chili isn’t just delicious—it’s a nutrient-packed bowl of goodness. Juicy ground chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, hearty black beans, and colorful bell peppers come together for a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Pro tip: If you’re trying to sneak in extra veggies (ahem, picky eaters beware), this dish is the perfect disguise. The bold flavors make everything taste incredible, so no one will notice all the good-for-you stuff inside.
Flavor Starts at the Base
A great chili starts with big, bold flavors, and this one delivers.
- Sauté magic – Onions and garlic sizzle in the pan, setting up that warm, fragrant foundation.
- Bell peppers join the party – They add natural sweetness and a little crunch to every bite.
- Ground chicken gets golden – Light yet hearty, it soaks up all the delicious seasoning.
The Spice Factor – Where the Magic Happens
What makes chili, well, chili? The perfect blend of spices.
- Chili powder for a smoky depth
- Cumin for that warm, earthy kick
- Paprika for a little extra boldness
- Salt & pepper to taste (because balance is everything)
Want to turn up the heat? Toss in cayenne or red pepper flakes and let the fire build.
The Simmering Secret
Patience, my friend. Letting this chili simmer is where the magic happens.
- The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor – Give it time to thicken and soak up all those rich, spicy notes.
- Stir occasionally – Keeps things smooth, prevents sticking, and ensures every bite is perfect.
- Taste test like a pro – Adjust seasonings as needed for that ideal flavor balance.
Serving It Up – The Fun Part!
Now for the best part—dishing it out and loading up the toppings.
- Fresh cilantro – Because a pop of green makes everything better.
- Diced avocado – For creamy, buttery goodness.
- Squeeze of lime – Brightens up all the flavors.
- Shredded cheese or dairy-free alternative – Because, obviously.
- Crushed tortilla chips – Adds the perfect crunch!
Serve it on its own, over rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that chili goodness.
One Recipe, Endless Possibilities
This ground chicken chili is a total meal-prep MVP—it stores beautifully in the fridge and freezes like a dream. Plus, it’s super adaptable:
- Swap out black beans for kidney or pinto beans.
- Toss in extra veggies like zucchini or carrots.
- Add a smoky twist with chipotle peppers.
No matter how you customize it, one thing’s for sure—this chili is about to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Warm, hearty, healthy, and bursting with flavor—what’s not to love? Grab a bowl and dig in!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want to enjoy a hearty bowl of chili, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. You can easily customize it to your liking and enjoy a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Delicious and Healthy Ground Chicken Chili

This ground chicken chili is a satisfying dish that offers a balance of lean protein and hearty ingredients. With a rich tomato base and an array of spices, it’s both savory and slightly spicy, making it an excellent comfort food option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy it hot!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want to enjoy a hearty bowl of chili, this recipe is versatile and oh-so-satisfying. You can easily customize it to your liking and enjoy a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Hope you enjoy this one! Feel free to pin andn save….
