How to Make the Best Chicken Chili Con Carne

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Chili con carne is a dish that originated in Texas. This hearty, spicy dish contains some of our favorite things: beans, chicken, tomatoes, and chili powder!

Chicken chili con carne is no different. Chicken provides an excellent way to make this dish healthier while still retaining the flavor that we love so much. In this recipe, I am going to share with you how to make the best Chicken Chili Con Carne!

It really is a great recipe if you are trying to eat less red meat

Chicken Chili Con Carne Warning

This is addictive! Hubby has had me make this several times a month already. You will soon see how this becomes one of your family’s favorite recipes.

Why is this better than White Chicken Chili?

This recipe is better than white chicken chili because it has a bit more of a kick to it. If you are looking for a dish that is less spicy, I would recommend making my white chicken chili recipe. That uses white beans – not canned beans, if you are in the mood for something with a bit more flavor, this Chicken Chili Con Carne is perfect!

What cut of chicken do you use?

I like to stick with leaner cuts, such as breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts seem to be easier to work with. You could use skinless chicken thighs if you wanted. However, I do avoid ground chicken. Why? Ground chicken has a tendency to include a lot of dark meat. While that is more flavorful and moist, it is also fattier.

If you have a rotisserie chicken, you could use some of that meat too – just pull it off and shred it.

With or without beans?

Personally, I prefer Chicken Chili Con Carne with beans. It is a great way to add some fiber and protein to the dish! You will come across chili purists who say “no” to the bean, but then they add noodles. (sigh)

That, my friends, is chili mac – not chili.

If you like hot chili, you can get the chili beans that are in HOT sauce – it is labeled right on the cans.

I would not use black beans or even drained kidney beans in this recipe.

Is this Chicken Chili Con Carne healthy?

Yes! This recipe contains many nutritious ingredients: chicken breast, tomatoes (with all of their lycopene), beans for fiber and protein, peppers that contain vitamin C, and spices such as cumin which has been shown to help with inflammation. Chicken Chili Con Carne is a perfect dish for any time of the year!

This recipe doesn’t seem to have bell peppers?

Correct. That is because we have a family allergy that we deal with. As they usually add sweetness to the mix, we have the corn in this recipe for that.

We DO have chili powder- that helps to bring a little heat to the mix.

If you wish to have peppers, I would suggest only half of a seeded and diced pepper added to the mix.

Do you use beer in this recipe?

Yes! I think that beer is an essential ingredient in making a good chili! You don’t have to be a beer drinker to appreciate it, but it really makes a huge difference in the flavor.

Think of the possibilities! With all of the microbreweries and their flavored selections? You are only limited by your imagination for the flavor combinations that you can create. Try an IPA — then try a Stout. Just. Yum.

We aren’t flooding the chili broth with it – we only use a 12-ounce serving.

Why do you use chili beans in sauce?

This is another creative use for them! The chili beans are already flavored with spices, so they bring a ton of flavor to Chicken Chili Con Carne. I think that this helps cut down on the need for adding extra seasoning or sauce packets (that can be high in sodium).

How my family really enjoys eating Chicken Chili Con Carne as Main Dishes

• We love it in a bowl by itself or served with a warm slice of cornbread.
• We love it over white rice.
• It is amazing on a baked potato

How do you eat your favorite chili?

This is one of those easy recipes that you will even be able to make in your slow cooker.

Chicken Chili Con Carne Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 12 oz beer
• 2 cans chili beans in sauce
• 2 can diced tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon chilli powder or chilli flakes
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 can corn, drained
• 2 cups chicken breast, cook and shred chicken

How do I make this Chicken Chili Recipe?

In a large pot saute onions in olive oil until tender – if you are adding the green pepper, this is where you would place it, with the onions to sautee.

Add in the beer, your chili beans with sauce, and the diced tomatoes

Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt & pepper

Simmer 10-15 minutes over medium heat, constantly stirring with your wooden spoon.

Add the corn and the shredded chicken

Simmer another 10-15 minutes over medium-high heat

Ladle it into a separate bowl and top with shredded cheddar cheese, or even sour cream. We even like to top it with tortilla chips. If you are going “healthy” try a dollop of Greek Yogurt instead of the sour cream.

Depending on the kind of beer, you could even garnish it with lime wedges.

How do you store leftover Chicken Chili Con Carne?

Let it cool first, then store it in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze Chicken Chili Con Carne?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to three months.

Other souper recipes you may enjoy:

• The Best Vegetarian Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe
• Our Famous Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe
• Our Crowd-Pleasing Autumn Chowder Soup Recipe
• Beyond Amazing Swiss Potato Soup Recipe
• Our Famous Cheddar Beer Soup Recipe