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Chunky Chicken Chili
ChiliDinnerHealthy Eating

Chunky 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
★★★★★ 4.8 (53 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Chunky 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 22g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 465 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Chunky 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 Chunky 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 Chunky 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 Chicken breast meat -- cut
  • bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Onion -- chopped
  • 1/2 cup Celery -- sliced
  • 1/2 cup Carrots -- sliced
  • 2 Cloves garlic -- minced
  • 1 cup Fresh tomato salsa -- (see following recip
  • 28 ounces Can tomatoes
  • 28 ounces Can water
  • 3 teaspoons Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/3 Bag garbanzo beans (soaked)
  • 1 Green pepper -- chopped
  • 4 Chicken boullion cubes
  • <<>>
  • 2 cans Chicken broth -- salt/pepper to taste

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

Brown chicken, onions, garlic

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add all tomatoes, water, and beans and simmer 30 min

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Add all other ingredients and simmer until beans and vegetables are tender.

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories465 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein22gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates15gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat13gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Chunky Chicken Chili

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

★★★★★4.8 from 53 votes
Chunky Chicken Chili
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories23% DV
465 kcal
Protein44% DV
22g
Fat17% DV
13g
Carbs5% DV
15g
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: Brown chicken, onions, garlic

2

Technique & Execution: Add all tomatoes, water, and beans and simmer 30 min

30:00
3

Technique & Execution: Add all other ingredients and simmer until beans and vegetables are tender.

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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