The other night, my husband said he was making his chili and cornbread for dinner.  The whole house bursted out in cheer, except for me. I am TIRED of that.  I said so.  He said, “Have you got any better ideas?”  And I said, “Not yet, but I’ll get one!”    I found a fine variation that would give me something new, yet keep the family happy with something similar. Chicken Chili!  It was a HUGE, huge hit.  There was plenty left over too, so I loudly announced, “The leftovers are mine until they’re gone!  Called it!”   ; )  I’m fast like that.

This is SO easy to make!!  Especially if you can get your husband to cut up the raw chicken for you first.  I can.  ; )

Chicken Chili

• 1 pound Raw Chicken Breasts, cut into small pieces
• 1 whole Large Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon  Ground Cumin (We didn’t have any-I skipped it.)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (I don’t measure stuff like that.)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper (Or that.)
• 1 can 28 Oz. Can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 can (15 Oz. Can) Tomato Sauce
• 3-4 Jalapeno Peppers, Chopped. (I used 3.)
• 1 can (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained
• 1 can (15 Oz. Can) Pinto Beans, Rinsed and Drained

Preparation Instructions

Cook chicken, onion and garlic in hot oil in a large saucepan over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and onion is tender.  Drain off fat.  Add the cumin, salt, and pepper;  cook and stir for 1 minute more.

Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce and jalapeno peppers. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add beans; heat through.  Ladle into bowl, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.  Add a big dollop of sour cream.  Serve with tortilla chips.

*Edited to Add (in light of my friend, Paula’s comment:  Even if you don’t like chili, this one may really surprise you. There is not even chili powder in it.  It’s not spicy at all-perhaps because we skipped the cumin?  But I suppose if you don’t like beans, there might be a problem. But they are soooo good for you!

My kids really LOVE this Chicken Chili, and when I think of the good stuff packed in 1 bowl, I feel GOOD.  It is just loaded with protein, fiber, anti-oxidants, and so much more.  It’s a bowl of health, for sure.

**UPDATE:  Some 6+ years later since the posting of this recipe, I can tell you that this is a meal we have fallen back on over and over, through the years! Especially during the cold winter months, when we have busy sports schedules and whatnot. It’s so easy to throw together, and it’s a delicious hot meal all ready when we get home. 

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