Go Back
Bowl of Chipotle Chicken Chili garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.

Chipotle Chicken Chili

A savory and wholesome chili packed with protein and fiber, featuring smoky chipotle flavors, perfect for warm gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 can (15-ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15-ounce) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15-ounce) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15-ounce) corn, drained
  • 1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (10-ounce) diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced plus 1-2 tbsp adobo sauce, to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and sear them until browned on all sides.
  2. Once beautifully browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, chopped green bell pepper, and minced jalapeño (if using) to the pot. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the peppers are slightly softened and the garlic is fragrant.
  5. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and corn.
  6. Add the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) and stir well.
  7. Add the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and 1-2 tablespoons of adobo sauce (to taste).
  8. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers all the ingredients.
  9. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Add the seared chicken back to the pot.
  11. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  12. After simmering for at least an hour, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Notes

Consider serving with crusty artisan bread, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers for up to three months.