Chicken chili with vegetables and beans

This chicken chili with vegetables and beans combines ground turkey and shredded chicken, simmered in a rich blend of spices and beer for depth. It's a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold evenings.

10 Feb 2026
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion
2 garlic cloves
2 jalapeno peppers
2 carrots
1 lb ground turkey
6 fl oz beer
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
3 tsp ground cumin
4 chicken breasts
1 zucchini
2 cups kidney beans
1 tsp coriander leaves
Chicken chili with vegetables and beans

Chicken chili with vegetables and beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Combining lean ground turkey, tender chicken breasts, and a medley of vegetables, this recipe offers a delightful balance of spices and textures that will warm you up on any chilly evening. The addition of beer and chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor, making this chili an instant favorite.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the red onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Seed and dice the jalapeno peppers.
- Peel and dice the carrots.
- Cook the chicken breasts and shred them.
- Dice the zucchini.
- Rinse and drain the kidney beans.
2. Heat Olive Oil:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the chopped red onion to the pot, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it begins to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, diced jalapenos, and diced carrots to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Brown the Turkey:
- Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Deglaze with Beer:
- Pour in the beer and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the beer to simmer for about 2 minutes.
6. Add Broth and Spices:
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Stir in the chili powder, paprika, and ground cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Add Chicken and Zucchini:
- Add the shredded chicken breasts and diced zucchini to the pot. Stir to combine.
8. Add Kidney Beans:
- Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
9. Simmer:
- Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
10. Season and Serve:
- Taste the chili, and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
11. Enjoy:
- Serve hot, optionally with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

With its rich blend of spices, vegetables, and protein, white chicken chili is a nutritious and comforting meal that's sure to please a crowd. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this chili is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite chili toppings!

Chicken chili with vegetables and beans FAQ:

How long should I simmer the chili?

Simmer the chili uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to tenderize.

What can I substitute for ground turkey?

You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center before shredding.

Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chili in advance. It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What type of beer is best for this recipe?

A light lager or pale ale works well for this chili, as it adds flavor without overpowering the dish. Avoid using very dark beers.

Cooking Tips:

- Prepping Ingredients: Chop all vegetables and mince the garlic beforehand to streamline the cooking process.

- Spice Level: Adjust the number of jalapeno peppers based on your heat preference. Removing the seeds can also reduce the spiciness.

- Cook Evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly and retain tenderness.

- Deglaze with Beer: After browning the turkey, use the beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits to enhance the flavor.

- Simmering Time: Allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Longer simmering can deepen the flavors even more.

- Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Serving Suggestions: Top your chili with fresh avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts

8 Servings
Calories 310kcal
Protein 36g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 2.97g
Fat 12g

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