If you love a warm, hearty and flavorful chili, this Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe is perfect. It is packed with tender chicken, beans and aromatic spices.
The Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe is simple, comforting and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals. If you want to learn How to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili, follow this easy guide.
Let’s explore the best Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe and cook it at home.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
This recipe is inspired by Ina Garten, known for simple and flavorful meals.
The secret is simmering chicken slowly with spices and beans. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Using a mix of fresh and canned ingredients gives a rich and hearty texture.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
Ingredients You Need for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
Chop onion, garlic and bell peppers. Drain and rinse beans. Set chicken aside. - Sear Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes. - Cook Vegetables
Add onion, garlic and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. - Add Spices
Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors. - Add Liquids
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth and beans to the pot. Stir well to combine. - Simmer Chili
Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes. - Shred Chicken
Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir. - Taste and Adjust
Taste chili and adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed. Simmer 5 more minutes. - Serve Hot
Serve chili hot with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier chili
- Add corn or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Substitute white beans for a different flavor
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for richer flavor
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips
- Use an Instant Pot for faster cooking
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe with cornbread, rice or tortilla chips.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep or game-day meals.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Chop onion, garlic and bell peppers. Drain and rinse beans. Set chicken aside.
Sear Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes.
Cook Vegetables
- Add onion, garlic and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Spices
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
Add Liquids
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth and beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Simmer Chili
- Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes.
Shred Chicken
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste chili and adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Serve Hot
- Serve chili hot with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream or cilantro.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier chili
- Add corn or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Substitute white beans for a different flavor
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for richer flavor
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips
- Use an Instant Pot for faster cooking
FAQs about Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh chicken gives a better texture and flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this spicy?
Yes, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce or jalapeños to increase heat.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit chicken and add extra beans, tofu or vegetables.
4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, chili tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
5. What sides go best with this chili?
Cornbread, rice, salad or tortilla chips are perfect accompaniments.
Conclusion
This Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili Recipe is hearty, flavorful and easy to make. Now you know How to make Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili step by step.
With simple Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Chili, you can create a satisfying meal at home.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting, protein-packed chili your family will love.
Eliza Lane is a home cook and recipe creator at ElizaKitchen.com, sharing easy, tested recipes made with simple ingredients. Her goal is to make cooking simple, comforting and enjoyable.