Perfect Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Ina Garten’s chicken chili transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Bold spices and tender meat create a robust dish that promises comfort in every single bite.

Home cooks love how this recipe balances complex flavors with straightforward preparation techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate the traditional chili concept, making it feel simultaneously familiar and innovative.

Each carefully selected ingredient contributes depth and character to the final masterpiece.

Comfort food rarely arrives with such elegant sophistication and unpretentious charm.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become memorable moments when this delectable chili graces the table: prepare to be delighted.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili emerges as more than mere sustenance.

Culinary enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this hearty masterpiece.

Mediterranean-inspired spices dance through layers of roasted chicken and garden-fresh vegetables.

Complex flavors weave a narrative of comfort and excitement on your palate.

Global ingredients collaborate to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Bold yet balanced, this chili calls readers to embrace kitchen creativity, share its delicious story across social platforms, and celebrate the art of home cooking with passion and zest.

Why Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili is Hearty, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

• Slow-Roasted Flavor Explosion: Oven-roasting chicken breasts separately before adding them to the chili creates deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish beyond traditional stovetop methods.
• Veggie-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: The recipe incorporates a rainbow of bell peppers and onions, delivering vibrant colors, textures, and nutritional benefits that make each bite both delicious and wholesome.
• Customizable Comfort Classic: With its flexible toppings like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream, this chili transforms from a simple meal into a personalized comfort food experience that can be tailored to individual preferences.
• Stress-Free Cooking Adventure: The step-by-step method breaks down complex cooking techniques into manageable stages, making this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels while guaranteeing impressive results.

What You Need for Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the hearty base of the chili, best when fresh and boneless.
• Yellow Onions: Aromatic base that provides depth and sweetness to the chili.
• Red Bell Peppers, Yellow Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes: Rich, acidic base that creates the chili's signature sauce and depth of flavor.
• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Red Pepper Flakes, Cayenne Pepper: Warm spice blend that provides complex flavor and mild heat.
• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that adds a fresh, bright note to the chili.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and roasting chicken, adds subtle richness.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides deep, savory undertones to the chili.
• Chopped Onions, Corn Chips, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream: Optional toppings that add texture, crunch, and creamy contrast to the chili.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare The Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onions and cook for 10 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Introduce Garlic And Colorful Peppers

• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute
• Incorporate 2 large diced red bell peppers
• Include 2 large diced yellow bell peppers

Stir and cook for another minute to blend flavors.

Step 3: Sprinkle Flavor-Boosting Spices

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Red pepper flakes
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt

Allow spices to meld with vegetables for 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Tomato Sauce Base

Crush 2 cans of whole peeled plum tomatoes by hand. Add tomatoes and puree to the pot. Stir in minced fresh basil leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Chicken For Roasting

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheet for chicken breasts.

Step 6: Roast Seasoned Chicken

Rub 4 chicken breasts with olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Roast in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 7: Shred Chicken Perfectly

Let chicken cool slightly. Remove skin and bones. Cut meat into bite-sized chunks.

Step 8: Combine And Finish Chili

Add chopped chicken to chili base. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes to blend flavors completely.

Step 9: Serve With Delicious Toppings

• Chopped onions
• Corn chips
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Sour cream dollop

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful chicken chili!

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili

• Revive Leftovers Creatively: Transform your remaining chicken chili by mixing in fresh herbs, a splash of broth, or additional spices to restore its original deliciousness and prevent bland reheating.
• Customize Spice Levels: Control heat by adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce gradually, tasting as you go to ensure perfect spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Boost Protein Variety: Experiment with different protein sources like ground turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based alternatives to create unique flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Layer Texture Strategically: Combine crunchy toppings like tortilla strips, crushed corn chips, or toasted pumpkin seeds to add exciting textural contrast and depth to your chicken chili.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Build complex taste by sautéing onions and garlic before adding other ingredients, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and create a rich, robust base for your chili.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili

• Freezer Stockpile: Divide chili into individual portion-sized containers for quick grab-and-go meals. Seal tightly with freezer-safe lids, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents using waterproof markers.
• Long-Term Preservation: Freeze chili flat in heavy-duty freezer bags to maximize storage space. Press out excess air, lay bags horizontally until frozen solid, then stack vertically for efficient freezer organization. These sealed bags will maintain optimal flavor and texture for up to four months.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Transfer chili to glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids for maximum freshness. Keep refrigerated portions at 40°F or below, consuming within three to four days for best quality and safety. Always cool chili completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain robust flavor profile.

Creative Twists on Ina Garten’s Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Chili: Replace bell peppers with poblano peppers and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Incorporate black beans and corn kernels to enhance the southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken Chili: Swap chili powder and cumin with oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Use fire-roasted tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese as a topping. Include kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Green Chicken Chili Verde: Use tomatillos instead of red tomatoes, and increase green chile peppers. Add cilantro and swap chicken with shredded pork for a traditional verde style. Top with queso fresco and lime wedges for brightness.
• Smoky Chipotle Chicken Chili: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deep, smoky flavor. Add smoked paprika and a touch of dark chocolate to create complex undertones. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and green onions for extra richness.

Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken chili brings robust Southwestern comfort to dinner tables with hearty ingredients and bold spices. Home cooks can quickly simmer this delicious one-pot meal that promises warmth and satisfaction in each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 4 cups yellow onions, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, large-diced
• 2 yellow bell peppers, large-diced
• 4 chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on
• 2 cans (28-ounces or 794 grams) whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/8 cup (30 milliliters) olive oil, extra for chicken
• 1/8 cup (30 milliliters) garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, minced
• Chopped onions
• Corn chips
• Grated cheddar
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor foundation by heating 1/8 cup (30 milliliters) of olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté 4 cups (480 grams) of finely chopped yellow onions until they become translucent and soft, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
2. Introduce aromatic elements by adding 1/8 cup (20 grams) of minced garlic, cooking for approximately 45 seconds while continuously stirring. Immediately incorporate 2 large diced red bell peppers and 2 large diced yellow bell peppers, ensuring even distribution and quick cooking.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by blending 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Thoroughly mix the spices with the vegetable mixture, allowing the aromatics to intensify.
4. Transform the base by manually crushing 2 cans of whole peeled plum tomatoes and adding them to the pot. Incorporate 1/4 cup (15 grams) of freshly minced basil leaves. Elevate the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the protein component by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent cooking environment for the chicken breasts.
6. Season 4 chicken breasts with a light drizzle of olive oil, generously coating with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until completely cooked through.
7. Allow the roasted chicken to cool slightly, then carefully remove skin and bones. Slice the meat into uniform bite-sized pieces, preparing it for integration with the chili base.
8. Merge the chicken chunks into the simmering chili, allowing an additional 20 minutes of cooking to harmonize the flavors completely. Serve piping hot, garnishing with chopped onions, crispy corn chips, grated cheddar cheese, and a generous dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Uses restaurant-quality roasting technique to elevate chicken texture and maximize flavor absorption.
• Blends Mediterranean and Tex-Mex culinary traditions for a unique, globally inspired chili experience.
• Packed with nutritious whole ingredients that create a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.
• Offers incredible meal prep flexibility with excellent freezing and next-day flavor enhancement.
• Provides delicious gluten-free dining option that easily adapts to various dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering, Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg