Craving a hearty, flavor-packed dish that warms the soul? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken and Black Bean Chili! Bursting with vibrant Mexican flavors and loaded with protein, this comforting chili is the perfect meal for any occasion—whether it's a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a deliciously satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Let's dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to deliver warmth and joy in every bowl!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the diced chicken breast to the pot, stirring to brown the meat on all sides. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly and release the spices' aromatics.
- Pour in the drained black beans and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- If using a slow cooker, set to low heat and cook for 4 hours. If using a pot, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check seasoning before serving and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare your ingredients the night before. Dice the chicken, chop the onion, and mince the garlic, then store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you like your chili with a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the spices. Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste as well.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken and canned goods. Organic black beans and tomatoes can elevate the flavor and nutrition of your dish.
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker or pot enhances their flavor, giving your chili a deeper, richer taste.
- Let It Simmer: If you have the time, allow your chili to simmer longer than the suggested cooking time. This will deepen the flavors even more, making it taste like it’s been simmering all day.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve your chili with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese to add a creamy texture and extra flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Make It a Meal: Pair your chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
