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Chicken Chili
ChiliDinnerHealthy Eating

Chicken Chili

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.7 (46 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Chicken Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 42g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 442 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Chicken Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Chicken Chili to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Chicken Chili, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
  • 1 pound Skinned & Boned Chicken
  • Breasts Cut Into 1 Inch
  • Cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Corn Oil
  • 4 medium Onions -- Chopped
  • 2 large Green Peppers -- Coarsly
  • Chopped
  • 3 large Garlic Cloves Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1/2 pound Ground Round
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 3 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 3 cans Undrained Tomatoes
  • (1 lb ea)
  • 1 small Avocado Cut Into 1/4 in.
  • Dice
  • 1 cup Plain Lowfat Yogurt
  • 1/3 cup Minced Fresh Cilantro OR
  • Italian Parsley

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Wrap Chicken & Freeze Until Firm, But Not Solid

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Grind Coarsely in Processor, Using On\Off Turns

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Heat Oil in Large Dutch Oven Over Medium-High Heat

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Add Onions, Green Peppers & Garlic & Cook Until Golden Brown, Stirring Frequently, About 15 Min

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Mix in Cumin, Oregano, Coriander & Thyme & Stir 2 Min

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Add Chicken, Ground Round & Bay Leaves

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories442 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein42gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates43gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat14gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Chicken Chili

This chef-curated Chicken Chili offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.7 from 46 votes
Chicken Chili
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories22% DV
442 kcal
Protein84% DV
42g
Fat18% DV
14g
Carbs16% DV
43g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Chicken breastTurkey breast or extra-firm tofu (1:1 ratio)
Dino kale/greensBaby spinach or Swiss chard (cooks faster, add at the end)

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Wrap Chicken & Freeze Until Firm, But Not Solid

2

Technique & Execution: Grind Coarsely in Processor, Using On\Off Turns

3

Technique & Execution: Heat Oil in Large Dutch Oven Over Medium-High Heat

4

Technique & Execution: Add Onions, Green Peppers & Garlic & Cook Until Golden Brown, Stirring Frequently, About 15 Min

15:00
5

Technique & Execution: Mix in Cumin, Oregano, Coriander & Thyme & Stir 2 Min

2:00
6

Technique & Execution: Add Chicken, Ground Round & Bay Leaves

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or skillet on medium heat until hot throughout.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen or after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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