This Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that embodies warmth, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. Imagine a comforting bowl of chili that warms your soul while being packed with nutritional goodness. The combination of ground chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices makes this meal a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. You can enjoy a hearty and fulfilling dish without sacrificing your clean eating goals. Let’s dive into the wonders of this delicious chili and see how you can make it at home!
Why We Love This Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
There are so many reasons to adore this Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The ground chicken offers a lean source of protein, while the fresh veggies and beans contribute vital nutrients and fiber. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as simple as it is satisfying, saving you on both cleanup time and effort. Plus, this chili is infinitely customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat and flavors according to your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or meal prep for the week, this hearty chili will always hit the spot.
Ingredients about Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
To create your Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili, you will need the following fresh and wholesome ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste (roughly 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 tbsp ground chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
How to Make Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili Directions
Making your Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a flavor-packed dish that everyone will love.
- Heat the Pot: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, pour in the olive oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Add in the ground chicken. Cook it for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should be fully cooked with no pink remaining.
- Add the Veggies: Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the Remaining Ingredients: Now it’s time to unite all the flavors. Add the chicken broth, black beans, frozen corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and applesauce to the pot. Follow this with the ground chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a Boil: Stir everything together well, and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll see the bubbling start, which means you’re on the right track!
- Simmer It Down: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 50 minutes. Be sure to check on your chili at the 30-minute mark, giving it a good stir to mix those flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: After the simmering time is up, give it a taste. You can adjust the seasoning or add more spices if desired.
This glorious chili is ready to serve after all that flavorful simmering. You’ve just created a delicious and nutritious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Serve Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
Serving your Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili is part of its charm. Fill a bowl generously, and consider garnishing it with fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you want to add even more flavor, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions on top.
For an added touch, serve it with whole-grain crackers or corn tortilla chips on the side to provide a delightful crunch. In colder months, you might pair this chili with a side of crusty bread or cornbread, perfect for dipping. This dish also does well in meal prep; portion it out into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
You can also create a chili bar, allowing your family or friends to top their bowls with cheese, avocado, or jalapeños as they please. This flexibility makes it fun for everyone at the table!
Expert Tips: Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
To make your Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili even better, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Fresh versus Frozen: While many of the ingredients can be used from the pantry or freezer, fresh vegetables will enhance the overall flavor and texture. If you can, always opt for fresh onions and peppers.
- Adjust the Heat: Everyone has different taste preferences regarding spice levels. You can control the chili’s heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to omit it entirely or reduce the quantity.
- Make it Ahead: Chili is often said to taste better the next day. Consider making a batch ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
- Freeze for Later: This chili freezes exceptionally well. If you have leftovers, place them in airtight containers and store them in the freezer. They will retain their flavor when reheated.
- Experiment with Beans: While this recipe calls for black beans, you can easily swap them for your favorite type, such as kidney or pinto beans. Variety is the spice of life!
How to Store Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
Storing your Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili is easy and ensures you can enjoy it at a later time. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Once your chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: If you want to extend its life, consider freezing your chili. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion, and label the containers with the date.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can thaw your chili overnight in the refrigerator or use the stovetop or microwave. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and enjoy your warm, comforting meal again.
Variation of Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
One of the best things about chili is its versatility. Here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground chicken for lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables. This option provides a great vegetarian alternative while still keeping it hearty.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra spicy kick in your chili. This will enhance both heat and flavor.
- Sweet Twist: For a sweeter flavor, consider adding diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash to the mix. They bring a delightful balance to the spiciness.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish to your chili. Add them just before serving for a burst of flavor.
- Different Proteins: While chicken is the star, you can experiment with ground turkey, beef, or even vegan meat substitutes to keep things interesting.
FAQ about Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
What makes this chili a clean eating recipe?
This Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili focuses on whole, nutrient-rich ingredients without any processed additives. It uses lean protein, fresh vegetables, and no refined sugars.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the chicken on the stove, combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
How can I add more flavor to the chili?
Besides adjusting spices, consider adding a splash of lime juice or even a bit of dark cocoa powder for depth of flavor.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili is naturally gluten-free. Always check product labels for additives if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I add more beans?
Absolutely! If you love beans, feel free to double the amount or mix in different varieties for added texture and flavor.
Clean Eating Ground Chicken Chili
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking
- 1 lb ground chicken Lean source of protein
- 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium preferred
- 1 14 oz can black beans Rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup frozen corn Add at the end of cooking
- 1 14 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste Roughly 1/4 cup, for thickness
- 1/4 cup applesauce Adds natural sweetness
For Seasoning
- 1 tbsp ground chili powder Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for spice level
For the Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped Enhances flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and pour in the olive oil.
- Add the ground chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
- Stir in the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften.
Cooking
- Add chicken broth, black beans, frozen corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and applesauce.
- Mix in the ground chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Let it simmer for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
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