Chicken Chili Con Carne: A Bold & Comforting Recipe

Chicken Chili Con Carne: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

This chicken chili con carne is a delicious take on a traditional favorite, packed with bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is both hearty and nourishing. The combination of tender chicken, smoky paprika, and warming spices makes it a go-to comfort meal.

If you love chili con carne but want a lighter, protein-rich alternative, this chicken version is a must-try! Packed with flavorful spices, hearty kidney beans, and tender chicken, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Plus, the fresh salad on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy chili.

Chicken Chili Con Carne Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

For the Chili Chicken

  • 5 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3 red capsicums, diced
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 kg cooked chicken (organic or free-range BBQ chicken), skinned and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons tomato purée
  • 2 teaspoons ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 300 mL chicken stock
  • 800 g cooked kidney beans (or 2 x 400 g canned, rinsed well)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh coriander, for garnish

For the Fresh Salad

  • 1 baby cos lettuce, washed and roughly torn
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1–2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 Lebanese cucumber, sliced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 tomato, cut into thin wedges
  • 1 handful fresh coriander
  • 2 red chilies, sliced (optional)
  • Sea salt, to season

Method

Cooking the Chili Chicken

  1. Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté capsicum, onions, and garlic until onions turn translucent.
  3. Stir in cooked chicken, tomato purée, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  4. Pour in chicken stock, then add kidney beans.
  5. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper.

Preparing the Salad

  1. Drizzle diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning.
  2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, avocado, cucumber, carrot, tomato, and coriander.
  3. Toss gently and season with sea salt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your spicy chicken chili with a generous portion of fresh salad. Garnish with extra coriander and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.

Enjoy this delicious, warming dish with family and friends!