GROUND CHICKEN CHIPOTLE CHILI WITH PICKLED RED ONIONS

‍This chipotle chili recipe features ground chicken, jalapeño peppers, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, Rotel Diced Tomatoes Hatch Chilies, hearty beans, and pickled onions that will satisfy your cravings for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Are you looking for a healthy, hearty meal perfect for a cold winter night? Look no further than this chipotle chili recipe! Ground Chicken or Turkey, Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions, is a hearty and flavorful dish with various delicious ingredients.

So, grab your apron, fire up your stove, and get ready to make the best Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions you have ever tasted.

What is Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions

This Ground Chicken, Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions, is a feast for the senses! A nutritious and satisfying base of protein-rich ground chicken, Rotel Diced Tomatoes Hatch Chilies, kidney beans, an is elevated by the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and a blend of spices and seasonings (McCormick Hot Chili Seasoning Mix and Sazón seasoning). 

And let's not forget the tangy and sweet pickled red onions, which perfectly contrast the chili's bold flavors. Combining these ingredients creates a hearty and flavorful dish. Top it off with crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, red chili flakes, or fresh cilantro – the possibilities are endless! 

Ingredients of Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions

• Ground Chicken

One of the main ingredients is ground chicken, a lean and protein-rich meat that is a healthier alternative to ground beef. Its mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine while providing a satisfying texture to the chili. Spicy ground chicken from Whole Foods is a personal favorite for this dish.

• Kidney beans

Another key ingredient is kidney beans, a type of legume high in fiber and protein. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that complements the smoky and spicy flavors of the chili. 

• Kidney Beans in sauce (olive oil, bell peppers, and tomatoes)

In addition to regular kidney beans, the recipe also calls for GOYA kidney beans in sauces, which are rich in flavor due to marinating in a different flavors. You can replace this with BUSH’s chili pinto beans as well, they have a more creamy texture and a slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the chili. The pinto beans are flavored with a mild chili-spiked sauce that enhances the recipe.

• The Secret Ingredient - Chipotle Peppers in Adobe Sauce

The star of our chipotle chili recipe is - CHIPOTLE PEPPERS IN ADOBO SAUCE. These little flavor powerhouses add a smoky and rich depth of flavor to the chili that is hard to achieve with any other ingredient. 

When added to the ground chicken chili, the chipotle peppers infuse the dish with a subtle heat and a complex smokiness that takes the flavor to a new level. So next time you make chili, add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your ingredient list - your taste buds will thank you! I sometimes like to add in a beef bouillon cube or two. I know this is ground chicken and chicken broth, but it adds a little beef flavor and provides balance to the dish. 

• Pickled Red Onions

PICKLED RED ONIONS are also a great addition to the ground chicken chipotle chili as they add a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the smoky and spicy flavors of the chili. Overall, this dish is a delicious and satisfying meal that will surely please any food lover looking for a warm and flavorful meal on a cold day.

The ground chicken and  kidney beans, beans provide a nutritious and satisfying base for the ground chicken chipotle chili with pickled red onions. They are the perfect canvas for the smoky and spicy flavors of the chipotle peppers and the tangy and sweet flavors of the pickled red onions.

How to make Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions

Prepare to be captivated by this delicious ground onion chipotle chili with a Pickled Red Onions recipe! Not only is it easy to make, but it is also full of flavor and packed with protein. This chili is the perfect dish for any chilly evening, warm, comforting, and flavorful. 

Let’s look into the ingredients and step by instructions to make delicious Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Pickled Red Onions at home.

‍INGREDIENTS:

• 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

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Instructions

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. 

Ultimately, the toppings you choose for Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili will depend on your personal preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. Play around with different toppings and combinations to find the ones you enjoy the most.

Whether you prefer classic toppings or more adventurous ones, Ground Chicken Chipotle Chili with Picked Red Onions is a versatile and satisfying dish that you can customize to your liking.

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