Delicious Five Bean Chicken Chili: A Sweet Heat Recipe for Wholesome Comfort
This chicken chili recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with a gentle heat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Packed with nutritious, flavorful beans and tender chicken, it’s a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Paisley Farms, but the opinions and the love for this chili are all my own.
If you’re a chili enthusiast who believes a good bowl of chili isn’t complete without a generous amount of beans, then prepare to fall in love with this Five Bean Chicken Chili. It’s a truly exceptional dish that stands out from typical chili recipes, offering a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
The Secret Ingredient: Paisley Farms Five Bean Salad
The inspiration for this delightful chicken chili came from a truly special product: Paisley Farms Five Bean Salad. Having recently had the pleasure of reviewing this “new to me” pantry staple (you can read my full review here), I was immediately inspired to incorporate its unique flavor into a hearty meal. And what better time than October, which happens to be National Chili Month, to transform it into a show-stopping chili?
For those unfamiliar with this fantastic product, Paisley Farms’ signature All Natural Five Bean Salad is a masterful blend of kidney, garbanzo, pinto, green, and wax beans. These are expertly accented with freshly diced onions and red peppers, all preserved in a slightly sweet, tangy marinade. The beauty of this salad lies in its convenient, straight-from-the-jar goodness, making it one of Paisley Farms’ most popular items. It’s incredibly colorful and delicious, perfect for serving as a side dish at gourmet table settings, summer picnics, or any gathering. And as I discovered, it’s also absolutely brilliant *in chili*!
A Harmony of Sweet, Savory, and Spicy
This Five Bean Chicken Chili came together remarkably quickly, and the result was nothing short of addictive. The moment you take your first bite, you’re greeted by a subtle, delightful sweetness. This comes directly from the pickled marinade of the Paisley Farms Five Bean Salad, which infuses the entire chili with a depth of flavor that’s both unexpected and incredibly welcome. Soon after, an amazing, lingering heat takes over, creating a perfect balance. It’s truly the best of both worlds – a savory, robust chili with an intriguing sweet-spicy kick.
The unique sweetness from the bean salad beautifully complements the traditional chili spices, like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. This combination elevates the dish beyond a typical chicken chili, making it a standout recipe. The tender chicken breasts absorb these rich flavors, while the five different types of beans contribute a fantastic variety of textures and a wealth of plant-based protein and fiber, making this chili exceptionally nutritious and satisfying.
A Family Favorite in the Making
I made this chili when my husband arrived home for lunch, and he couldn’t resist sneaking bites directly from the soup pot. Each mouthful was met with enthusiastic “Mmmmm-ing!” – a sure sign that this recipe was a hit. It’s moments like these, when a dish brings such simple joy, that truly make cooking worthwhile. This chili isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening or during a casual get-together.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for the Perfect Chili Experience
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can enhance your Five Bean Chicken Chili experience:
- Chicken Preparation: For convenience, you can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly poach and shred chicken breasts. Ensure it’s cut into bite-sized cubes for even distribution.
- Spice Level: The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a moderate heat. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce it to a pinch, or omit it entirely. For those who love extra spice, feel free to add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to customize the vegetables. Add diced carrots, celery, or even a different color of bell pepper for more visual appeal and nutritional boost.
- Broth Choice: Using a high-quality chicken stock will significantly impact the depth of flavor in your chili. Low-sodium options are great for controlling the saltiness.
- Crock Pot Method: As noted in the recipe, this chili adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeno as directed, then combine all ingredients in your crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through and flavors are melded. This is perfect for busy days!
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Chili
While the chili is fantastic on its own, the right toppings can take it from great to extraordinary. Here are some suggestions:
- Classic Toppings: Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions are traditional favorites that add creaminess and freshness.
- Crunchy Delights: Tortilla strips, crushed tortilla chips, or even homemade crispy fried onions provide a satisfying texture contrast.
- Cheesy Goodness: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully into the hot chili.
- Avocado Creaminess: Diced or sliced avocado adds a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats. A dollop of guacamole would also be delicious!
- Freshness Boost: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors.
- Hearty Sides: Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
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Print Recipe
Five Bean Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 jalapeno chopped
- 1 4oz can chopped green chilies
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 35.5 oz jar Paisley Farms Five Bean Salad, drained
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to liking
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 6 cups chicken stock
- For Serving: sour cream cilantro, green onions and tortilla strips
Instructions
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Saute onion and garlic in about 1 Tablespoon oil in stock pot until translucent. Add Jalapenos and green peppers, saute a couple minutes longer. Add green chilies. Add chicken, corn and five bean salad. Add in spices and chicken stock. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
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To serve top with sour cream, green onions, cilantro and tortilla strips.
Notes
Nutrition
This Five Bean Chicken Chili is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how quality ingredients can transform a classic dish into something extraordinary. The convenience and unique flavor of Paisley Farms Five Bean Salad make it an indispensable pantry item for quick, delicious meals.
Ready to experience this amazing sweet heat for yourself? Find where you can pick up delicious Paisley Farms Five Bean Salad, or any of their other fabulous products, by visiting their official website. You can also connect with them and discover more culinary inspiration by following them on social media!
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