Zesty Chicken Enchilada Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort In A Bowl

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this hearty chicken enchilada chili that blends Mexican-inspired flavors into one incredible pot of deliciousness.

Spicy aromas fill the kitchen as tender chicken mingles with robust beans and vibrant spices.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor without complicated preparation.

chili lovers will appreciate the depth of seasonings that dance across their taste buds.

Each spoonful promises a warmth that goes beyond temperature, connecting you to rich culinary traditions.

The recipe promises bold, satisfying results that turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Let’s find out this chili and let the magic of simple, delicious ingredients transport you to flavor paradise.

Serving Chicken Enchilada Chili with a Twist

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this hearty chili in deep ceramic bowls that capture warmth and invite comfortable eating, perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends.
• Nacho Topping Extravaganza: Crush crispy tortilla chips over the chili, adding a satisfying crunch and transforming the dish into a texturally exciting meal that combines softness with crisp elements.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños on top to introduce bright, zesty notes that elevate the chili's rich flavor profile and add visual appeal.
• Sidekick Companions: Pair the chili with warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or Mexican-style rice to create a complete, balanced meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds with complementary flavors.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Enchilada Chili

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double batch of this hearty chili and freeze portions for busy weeknights. Individual containers make reheating a breeze and provide quick, delicious meals when time is tight.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day lunches even more delectable and satisfying.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Avoid adding cheese or sour cream before freezing – instead, add fresh toppings when reheating to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Meal Prep Hack: Keep separate containers of cooked chicken, beans, and chili base to quickly assemble different meals throughout the week. Mix and match ingredients for variety without starting from scratch each time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Enchilada Chili What to Use

• Boneless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides substantial texture and hearty flavor, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds creamy richness and nutritional boost, choose low-sodium varieties for better control of salt content.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: Classic aromatic trio that creates deep, complex flavor foundation, select firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Dried Oregano: Earthy herb that introduces subtle Mediterranean warmth, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes, Enchilada Sauce: Tangy base that delivers authentic southwestern kick, look for brands with robust spice profiles.

• Corn: Sweet kernel that provides delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, frozen or fresh options work perfectly.
• Sour Cream, Shredded Sharp Cheddar or Pepper Jack: Creamy and sharp toppings that elevate overall taste experience, select high-quality dairy for best results.
• Tortilla Chips: Crispy element for delightful textural contrast, choose sturdy chips that won't get soggy quickly.
• Sea or Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and enhance entire dish's flavor profile.

Tools for Making Chicken Enchilada Chili

• Dutch Oven or Large Saucepan: Your main cooking vessel for creating this hearty chili, perfect for browning chicken and simmering ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Essential for safely chopping chicken and preparing vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice vegetables precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Plate with Foil: Used to temporarily hold browned chicken while sautéing vegetables.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving the chili into individual bowls.

Chicken Enchilada Chili Cooking Directions

• Chicken Preparation

Get your chicken ready by chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife. Season the pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring out the rich flavors.

• Protein Sizzle

Heat up a large pot and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the chicken pieces and let them dance around until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once cooked, set them aside on a warm plate.

• Veggie Magic

In the same pot, add another drizzle of oil and toss in chopped onions, colorful bell peppers, and minced garlic. Let these veggies soften and release their aromatic goodness, creating a delicious base for your chili.

• Flavor Fusion

Slide the chicken back into the pot and sprinkle some oregano for an extra punch. Pour in diced tomatoes, zesty enchilada sauce, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering blend of ingredients.

• Simmering Perfection

Let the chili bubble gently, allowing all the flavors to mingle and get to know each other. After about 30 minutes, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

• Delicious Finale

Scoop the steaming chili into bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of creamy sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch.

Tips for Thick and Flavorful Chicken Enchilada Chili

• Swap chicken for ground turkey, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles to create a totally different flavor profile while keeping the dish protein-packed.
• Dial up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or using spicy enchilada sauce for those who love a fiery kick.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for an intensely delicious meal.
• Skip the meat entirely and load up on extra beans, add diced zucchini, or toss in some quinoa for a hearty vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Get creative with garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, pickled red onions, or a squeeze of lime to brighten up the entire dish and add exciting texture.

Hearty Chicken Enchilada Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken enchilada chili combines Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting warmth. Spicy, rich ingredients meld together, offering a satisfying meal that brings families close around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 1.25 lbs (567 g) boneless chicken breasts (or 2–3 cups cooked)
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) enchilada sauce
• 1.5 cups corn
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) petite diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup diced onion (red or yellow)
• 0.33 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Sour cream
• Shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Cube chicken into uniform pieces, generously seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper for robust flavor.
2. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides until golden, creating a caramelized exterior. Remove and set aside, preserving the delectable pan drippings.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened and aromatic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, creating a flavor-packed base for the chili.
4. Combining Components: Return chicken to the pan, introducing dried oregano for herbal depth. Add diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn kernels. Stir thoroughly to integrate all ingredients.
5. Simmering Process: Reduce heat and allow chili to gently simmer for 30 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking. Taste and fine-tune seasonings to personal preference.
6. Serving Finale: Ladle chili into warm bowls, crowning with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips for a textural and flavor-packed presentation.

Notes

• Precision Cutting: Uniformly cut chicken ensures even cooking and consistent bite sizes.
• High-Heat Searing: Develop a golden-brown crust on chicken to lock in flavor and create rich caramelization.
• Vegetable Technique: Sauté vegetables until translucent without burning, which builds a robust flavor foundation.
• Slow Simmer Strategy: Maintain low, steady heat during cooking to blend flavors and tenderize ingredients without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg