GROUND CHICKEN CHIPOTLE CHILI WITH PICKLED RED ONIONS

• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1.5 lbs. ground chicken or ground turkey
• ½ small red or white onion chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, de-seeded and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes in chipotle (24.5 ounces, or use equivalent fresh or diced tomatoes)
• 1 can Rotel hatch dice tomatoes & fire roasted chiles (10 ounces, or use equivalent original or hot Rotel diced tomatoes)
• 1 can of GOYA kidney beans in sauce (olive oil, bell pepper, and tomato)
• 1 can Red kidney beans , drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• McCormick Hot chili seasoning packet + Sazón seasoning packet
• 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle chilis in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp red chili flakes *optional*

FOR SERVING: 

• Crumbled queso fresco
• sliced fresh jalapeños
• red chili flakes
• fresh chopped cilantro

Pickled Red Onions

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup distilled vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp kosher salt

For Chipotle Chili

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or Turkey, chopped red onion, and chopped jalapeño pepper to the pot and cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the meat is cooked through.
2. Add the garlic and let it sear for one minute until fragrant. Add in the chicken broth, cans of roasted tomatoes, kidney beans in sauce, kidney beans (drained), and chipotle chili with 1 tablespoon of adobe sauce (optional). Stir until the spices are well combined.
3. Bring to a simmer, then add the McCormick chili seasoning packet and Goya Sazón seasoning. 
4. Reduce the heat and cook the chili on low heat for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together, stirring now and then. Adjust for seasonings if you wish. 
5. Alternatively, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker or crock pot at this stage and cook on high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours until the flavors blend.
6. Serve chili topped with queso fresco, cilantro, and drained pickled onion.

For Pickled Onions:

1. Place the thinly sliced red onion in a heat-proof large glass jar or bowl.
2. Heat the water, distilled vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the sliced red onion and stir to combine. Make sure onion slices are submerged in the mix.
5. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
6. Cover the jar or bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
7. Serve the pickled red onions alongside the ground chicken chipotle chili for a delicious and tangy contrast to the smoky and spicy flavors of the chili.

Tips for Customizing Your Chili:

• If you like your chili spicier, add more chipotle peppers or red chili flakes when serving chili.
• You can add other vegetables to your chili, such as green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower.
• For a creamier chili, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese.
• If you are vegetarian, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey with plant-based protein or use only beans.

Serving Suggestions/Toppings

Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, pickled red onions, cilantro, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro. 

• Shredded cheddar like Monterey Jack or cheddar, is a classic topping that adds a creamy twist to the smoky and spicy flavors of the chili. 
• Sour cream is another popular option that adds a tangy and cooling element to the dish, balancing out the heat of the chipotle peppers.
• Sliced avocado is a great topping option that adds a creamy, buttery texture to the dish and provides healthy fats and nutrients. 

In addition to the classic toppings mentioned earlier, some other creative topping suggestions can take your Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Picked Red Onions to the next level.

• Crumbled queso fresco is a popular Mexican cheese often used as a topping for dishes like chili. It has a mild and crumbly texture that complements the spicy and smoky flavors of the chili. 
• Sliced fresh jalapeños are another topping option that can add a spicy and crunchy element and bright green color to the dish.
• Red chili flakes are a simple but effective topping that adds extra heat and spice to the chili. If you're a fan of spicy food, sprinkle some red chili flakes on top of your Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili Bowl to give it an extra kick.
• Chopped cilantro is a fresh and fragrant topping that adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.