Barefoot Contessa’s Heartwarming Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

When winter’s chill sets in, nothing beats a warm bowl of Barefoot Contessa chicken chili that promises comfort and robust flavor.

Ina Garten’s recipe brings together hearty ingredients with surprising depth and richness.

Each spoonful delivers a satisfying blend of tender chicken, bold spices, and colorful vegetables.

The chili packs a delightful punch that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

The recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet appeal.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this delectable chili that elevates weeknight dinner to something truly special.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Everything in Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili

• Onions: Provide a sweet, foundational flavor that deepens the chili's complexity, choose firm and glossy bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust, earthy undertones, select plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin for maximum pungency.

• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, smoky heat that defines the chili's character, opt for high-quality, freshly ground blends.
• Cumin: Introduces an earthy, nutty dimension, select whole seeds and grind for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes sharp, fiery notes, choose vibrant red flakes for consistent spiciness.
• Cayenne: Provides intense, concentrated heat, use sparingly for controlled spice level.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances overall flavor profile, select fine-grain kosher or sea salt.

• Chicken Breasts: Create substantial, tender protein base, choose organic, free-range for superior texture and flavor.
• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth cooking and rich undertone, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provide tangy, rich liquid foundation, pick San Marzano variety for exceptional sweetness.
• Basil: Introduces fresh, herbal brightness, use fresh leaves for most vibrant flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Add sweet, crisp texture and color, select firm, glossy peppers without blemishes.

Equipment Setup for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking vegetables and simmering chili, with enough space to mix ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and preparing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise chopping and cutting chicken into chunks.
• Baking Tray: Used for roasting chicken in the oven with even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring vegetables and mixing chili while cooking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure olive oil and spices.
• Food Processor (optional): Useful for crushing tomatoes if not doing it by hand.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely add chili powder, cumin, and other spices.

Cooking Directions for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili

• Veggie Preparation

Create a flavor base by gently sautéing onions in olive oil until they turn soft and translucent. Add aromatic garlic and colorful bell peppers, then sprinkle warming spices that will transform your kitchen into a fragrant haven. Pour in crushed tomatoes and a hint of basil, allowing the mixture to bubble and develop rich, deep flavors.

• Chicken Transformation

Select plump chicken breasts and lovingly season them with a generous coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slide the tray into a warm oven where the meat will slowly roast to tender perfection. Once cooled, slice the chicken into delectable chunks ready to join the simmering sauce.

• Chili Fusion

Gently introduce the roasted chicken pieces into the bubbling vegetable base. Let the ingredients mingle and dance together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Allow the chili to simmer, concentrating its incredible flavor profile.

• Final Touch

Ladle the steaming chili into welcoming bowls. Invite creativity by offering an array of toppings like crispy corn chips, sharp cheddar, cool sour cream, and fresh chopped onions. Each serving becomes a personalized culinary adventure.

Tips to Tweak Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili

• Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne. Start conservatively and add more to taste for a personalized flavor profile.
• Experiment with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based protein alternatives like black beans or tofu for a different protein twist.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like corn, zucchini, or diced sweet potatoes during the simmering stage for more texture and flavor complexity.
• Transform this recipe by transferring ingredients to a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off, tender result that develops rich, deep flavors.

Best Pairings for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili

• Pair with Crisp Side Salad: Toss a light, refreshing green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the chili's rich, spicy flavors.
• Create Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or cornbread to soak up the delicious chili sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Build a Topping Extravaganza: Offer a colorful toppings bar with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges to let guests customize their chili experience.
• Transform into Meal Prep Delight: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunch options, keeping the toppings separate to maintain crispness and freshness.

Storage Notes for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili

• Maximize Freshness: Store the chili in airtight containers, separating the base and toppings to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Keep the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it's cooled completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Transfer the chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy days.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

Hearty Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa chicken chili delights with robust southwestern flavors and hearty ingredients. Simmered to perfection, this comforting dish delivers a satisfying meal you’ll crave during cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 8 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
• 4 cans (800g / 28 oz) whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained
• 8 cups (about 6 onions) chopped yellow onions
• 4 red bell peppers, chopped
• 4 yellow bell peppers, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil (plus extra for chicken)
• 8 cloves (60 g) minced garlic
• 2 tsps chili powder
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 4 tsps kosher salt (plus more for chicken)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup fresh basil, minced
• Chopped onions
• Corn chips
• Grated cheddar
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sauté onions until translucent and soft, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic essences.
2. Spice Infusion: Blend bell peppers, chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and salt into the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and prevent scorching.
3. Tomato Base Development: Introduce crushed tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Elevate heat to trigger a gentle boil, then reduce and allow sauce to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent adhesion.
4. Chicken Preparation: Roast chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Cook until tender and fully done, approximately 35-40 minutes.
5. Meat Integration: Shred cooled chicken into uniform chunks and fold gently into the simmering tomato sauce. Continue cooking uncovered to harmonize flavors and ensure complete heat distribution.
6. Serving Finale: Present the chili steaming hot, adorned with optional garnishes like diced raw onions, crispy corn chips, freshly grated cheddar cheese, and a dollop of cool sour cream. Enjoy immediately or store carefully for later consumption.

Notes

• Roast Chicken Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temperature for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance; start conservatively and taste as you cook.
• Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking develops deeper, richer flavor profiles in the chili, allowing spices and ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent meal prep or make-ahead option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg