Robust Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili

When the crisp air of autumn arrives, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to warm you from the inside out. While a classic beef chili often holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes a delightful twist is exactly what the dinner menu needs. Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary and utterly scrumptious Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili – a recipe that promises to become a new family favorite and a go-to for any gathering!

Crafted with straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand, this vibrant Chicken Chili Without Beans stands out from the crowd. Its rich flavor profile and comforting warmth make it an ideal dish to share with loved ones. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most seasoned chili connoisseurs, will adore!

Why This Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

Forget your preconceptions about chili; this recipe elevates the humble dish to a gourmet experience while remaining incredibly approachable. Here’s why this Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Sophisticated Flavor, Simple Preparation: While this chili boasts a wonderfully complex and nuanced flavor profile, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The beauty lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful layering of flavors, making it feel gourmet without requiring advanced culinary skills. It’s the perfect dish for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Inspired by Culinary Excellence: This recipe draws its inspiration from Ina Garten’s renowned chicken chili, a testament to its deliciousness and reliability. Known for her “Barefoot Contessa” approach to elevated comfort food, Ina’s influence guarantees a recipe that is both approachable and undeniably tasty. You can trust that every spoonful will deliver a comforting, satisfying experience.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a lively game day party, bringing a comforting meal to friends in need, or simply preparing a wholesome family dinner, this chili fits the bill perfectly. Its robust flavors and satisfying texture make it a hit with everyone, consistently earning rave reviews and requests for the recipe. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

I recall one particularly tense Super Bowl Sunday when our beloved Packers were playing in the big game. The house was buzzing with nervous energy: Packer lights adorned the doorways, our quirky Packer gnome was strategically positioned to face the TV for good luck, and even our dog, Lambeau (named after the legendary Green Bay Packer, Curly Lambeau), joined in the hopeful vigil. The air was thick with shouts, groans, and armchair refereeing. To escape the cacophony, I found refuge in the kitchen, patiently simmering this very chili.

We had to wait until the final whistle to finally enjoy our meal, but once served, this flavorful No Bean Chicken Chili vanished in record time. It proved to be the perfect comforting antidote to game-day jitters, a hearty reward for a rollercoaster of emotions. This experience, among many others, solidified its status as a tried-and-true recipe that delivers comfort and joy, no matter the circumstances.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Chili

The magic of this Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili lies in its quality, yet accessible, ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for building a rich, flavorful dish:

• Kitchen Staples: Begin with high-quality Olive Oil for sautéing, robust Chili Powder for that classic chili base, and essential Kosher Salt to season and enhance all the flavors. These form the foundation of our chili.
• Onions: While Yellow Onions are my preferred choice for their balanced sweetness and pungency, White Onions also work beautifully, offering a slightly sharper profile. Fine chopping is key for even flavor distribution.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly Minced Garlic is non-negotiable. It provides an aromatic depth that is fundamental to the chili’s overall taste.
• Bell Peppers: A colorful medley of Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers is highly recommended. These varieties are naturally sweeter than green bell peppers, contributing a delightful, vibrant sweetness and beautiful color to the chili. They soften beautifully, adding texture and a mild fruity note.
• Cumin: Ground Cumin is a cornerstone spice in chili, offering an earthy, warm, and slightly smoky flavor. It’s also fantastic in taco meat, making it a versatile pantry staple.
• Cayenne Pepper: For those who appreciate a touch of warmth, Cayenne Pepper adds a subtle, yet noticeable, kick. Adjust the amount to suit your personal heat preference.
• Cans of Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes with Juice: The quality of your tomatoes significantly impacts the chili’s flavor. I highly recommend seeking out San Marzano Tomatoes for their exceptional sweetness, balanced acidity, and rich, concentrated flavor. Using whole peeled tomatoes allows you to break them down to your desired consistency.
• Fresh Basil: A generous amount of Minced Fresh Basil is the secret ingredient that truly elevates this chili. It introduces a bright, aromatic, and slightly sweet herbal note that beautifully complements the savory and spicy elements, distinguishing this recipe from typical chili.
• Chicken Breasts: For ease of preparation, I often use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can poach them in chicken broth until cooked through, then cube or shred them. However, for an even richer flavor, consider roasting bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves. Cooking with the bone in helps impart more depth of flavor and moisture to the meat, resulting in a more succulent chicken.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a chili that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Chili

Creating this Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili is a straightforward process, despite its gourmet taste. Follow these simple steps for a truly exceptional meal:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and softened, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the chopped bell peppers to the pot along with the chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the two cans of whole peeled plum tomatoes with their juice. Using a spatula or kitchen shears, gently break down the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces directly in the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add Chicken and Basil: Stir in the cooked and chopped chicken breasts and the minced fresh basil. Continue to simmer the chili for another 20-60 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen, creating a truly rich and harmonious dish. If the chili becomes too thick during this extended simmering, you can add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as crunchy tortilla chips, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of cool sour cream.

Expert Tips for an Unforgettable Chili

While this recipe is far from complicated, a few expert tips can elevate your chicken chili from delicious to absolutely fabulous. Pay attention to these details for the best possible results:

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: For the most flavorful chili, start by roasting bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Drizzle them with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of seasoning salt, then roast at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until cooked through. Bone-in chicken retains more moisture and imparts a richer flavor to the dish than boneless varieties. Once cooled, remove the skin and bones, then cube or shred the meat.
• PRO-Tip: Blooming Spices for Intensity: This is a game-changer! Cooking your spices (chili powder, cumin, pepper flakes, cayenne) in the hot olive oil before adding any liquids helps to “bloom” them. This process releases their essential oils, intensifying their aroma and flavor, making your chili more complex and fragrant.
• Tailor the Heat to Your Liking: The recipe, as written, includes crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for a gentle kick. If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for diverse palates, start with half the recommended amount of these ingredients. After the chili has simmered for a while, taste it and adjust as needed, adding more spice if desired. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
• Balance with Cool Toppings: Serving with a dollop of cool sour cream is an excellent way to mellow out the spice, making it palatable for even the most tender palates. My husband appreciates this, while my boys happily pile on cheese and tortilla chips without complaint!
• Customize with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your chili! A cup of frozen corn can add sweetness and texture. If you prefer a more traditional chili (and don’t mind beans), black beans or kidney beans can also be added. I typically use a mix of red, orange, and yellow bell peppers for their sweetness and color, as green peppers tend to be less sweet for my taste.
• PRO-Tip: Garnish for Appeal and Flavor: Since fresh basil is a key ingredient, reserve a few sprigs or extra minced leaves to garnish individual servings. Garnishing with an ingredient used in the recipe not only makes the dish visually appealing but also subtly hints at the delicious flavors within. Beyond sour cream and fresh basil, consider offering grated cheddar cheese, crispy corn chips, finely diced red onions, and even diced jalapeños for an extra zing. This chili also pairs beautifully with my Buttermilk Corn Muffins.
• PRO-Tip: The Power of Resting: Chili, like many stews, is one of those magical dishes that often tastes even better the next day. Preparing it in advance and allowing it to rest in the refrigerator overnight gives the flavors ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and satisfying meal.
• PRO-Tip: Keep it Warm for Gatherings: For game day or any potluck, transfer your prepared chili to a slow cooker and set it to a “warm” setting. This keeps the chili at a perfect serving temperature, allowing guests to enjoy it throughout the event.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Chili

Explore More Comforting Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this hearty Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili, you might also like to explore some of these other comforting and flavorful recipes from my kitchen:

• Easy Black Bean Chili: A quick and flavorful vegetarian option.
• White Chicken Chili: A creamy, lighter take on chicken chili.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup: A rich and zesty soup that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
• For more delicious ideas, browse our collection of the Best Soup Recipes.

The Recipe:

Chicken and Bell Pepper Chili

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour

Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes

Yield
8 servings

This unusual, pepper-filled chicken chili is ALWAYS a hit! It’s perfect for game day or anytime you need a hearty, comforting, warming meal.

Ingredients

• 2 yellow onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 bell peppers, chopped (I used 2 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow for best flavor and color)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled plum tomatoes with juice (San Marzano recommended for superior flavor)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, minced
• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped OR 3-4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, roasted and chopped for richer flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnishes: Tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced red onion, fresh cilantro or basil

Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped bell peppers to the pot along with the chili powder, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper (if using), and kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the spices to bloom in the hot oil.
3. Pour in the two cans of whole peeled plum tomatoes with their juice. Using a spatula or kitchen shears, break down the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Stir in the cooked and chopped chicken breasts and the minced fresh basil. Continue to simmer the chili for an additional 20-60 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen. If the chili becomes too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings with freshly ground pepper and more salt if needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve immediately with your preferred garnishes.

Notes

Adapted from a beloved Ina Garten recipe, this chili delivers rich flavor with straightforward techniques. For an even deeper flavor, prepare the chili a day in advance and allow it to rest overnight in the refrigerator; reheating gently will enhance its complexity.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

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• Santoku Knife: Essential for precise chopping of vegetables.
• Black Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking down tomatoes.
• Le Creuset Dutch Oven: Ideal for slow simmering and even heat distribution.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8 servings

Serving Size:

1 bowl

Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 281Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 660mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gProtein: 32g

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