Chili‘S Southwest Chicken Chili

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Chili‘S Southwest 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 Chili‘S Southwest Chicken Chili, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons diced seeded jalapeño pepper
• 3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 8 teaspoons chicken base
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 1/2 tablespoons ground chili powder
• 4 teaspoons ground paprika
• 4 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons freshly-minced cilantro
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1/2 cup crushed canned tomatillos
• 1 can diced green chiles - (4 oz) —drained
• 2 cans navy or small white beans - (15 oz ea) drained
• 1 can dark red kidney beans - (15 oz) —drained
• 3 pounds diced cooked chicken breast
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips

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.

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

Step 1: Technique & Execution

In 5-quart or larger pot, heat oil over medium heat

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add onions and sauté along with bell pepper, jalapeño and garlic

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Cook until vegetables are tender. 2

Step 4: Technique & Execution

In another container, combine water, chicken base, lime juice, sugar, cornstarch and seasonings

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Add to vegetable mixture. 3

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Add tomatillos and diced green chiles to pot; bring to boil