Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or cozy weekends, the Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe is a must-try. Known for its balance of bold spices, tender chicken, and rich tomato base, this chili is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.

What makes this dish special is how approachable it is even for beginner cooks. With just a handful of ingredients and a Dutch oven, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. Each bite offers a comforting blend of spice, smokiness, and just the right amount of richness.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking for your family, this chicken chili delivers every time. It’s filling, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bowl.

What’s the Flavor Profile of This Ina Garten Chicken Chili?

This Ina Garten Chicken Chili is not your average chili. Instead of heavy ground beef, it uses oven-roasted chicken breasts that are shredded and simmered with vegetables, beans, and spices. The result? A lighter, yet equally satisfying, version of traditional chili.

The taste is complex but comforting. Sweet bell peppers and onions create a flavorful base, while garlic and jalapeños bring a gentle heat. Unique ingredients like cinnamon and unsweetened chocolate add surprising depth making the chili rich and slightly smoky without overpowering the natural flavors.

The end result is a thick, hearty chili that’s savory with just the right hint of spice. Serve it with warm cornbread or a side of rice, and you’ll have a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Check two more chili recipes from Ina Garten from below

• Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe
• Artichoke Green Chili Dip Recipe

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Ina Garten Chicken Chili

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil (garlic-infused if available)
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning (or salt & pepper substitute)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for spice)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken stock (optional for thinner chili)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), undrained
• 1–2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 oz unsweetened chocolate, grated

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Baking sheet
2. Dutch oven or large pot
3. Wooden spoon
4. Knife & cutting board
5. Cheese grater (for chocolate)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours
Serves: 6–8 people

Copycat Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Ina Garten Chicken Chili in a delicious way.

1. Roast the Chicken: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with poultry seasoning or salt and pepper. Bake for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 1 minute, then stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add diced bell peppers and jalapeños, cooking until softened but not mushy.

3. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in chili powder and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the vegetables, releasing a rich, fragrant aroma. This step creates the base of your chili’s bold flavor.

4. Build the Base: Pour in crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken stock if you prefer a thinner chili. Stir until everything is well combined.

5. Combine Chicken & Beans: Add shredded chicken and white beans (undrained) into the pot. Stir gently, making sure the beans and chicken are submerged in the flavorful tomato mixture.

6. Simmer & Finish: Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until beans are tender and flavors blend. Before serving, grate unsweetened chocolate into the chili and stir until melted. Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or your favorite toppings.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Chicken Chili

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Ina Garten Chicken Chili deliciously

1. With warm cornbread
Trust me, nothing soaks up that rich chili better than a slice of buttery, golden cornbread fresh from the oven. It’s our go-to side every time.

2. Over steamed rice
Some nights we ladle the chili right over fluffy white rice. It stretches the meal further and makes it extra filling.

3. Topped with shredded cheese
A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully on top, adding a creamy bite to every spoonful.

4. With a dollop of sour cream
We love the cool tangy contrast that sour cream brings. It balances the spice so well.

5. With tortilla chips
Crunchy chips on the side (or even crushed right on top) turn this into a fun, scoopable dinner.

6. Stuffed into baked potatoes
On cozy nights, we spoon chili into fluffy baked potatoes. It’s hearty, comforting, and a full meal on its own.

7. With fresh avocado slices
Creamy avocado brings a smooth, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the bold chili flavors.

8. As chili nachos
We’ve spread tortilla chips on a sheet pan, poured chili over them, added cheese, and baked until bubbly. Instant party food!

9. With crusty bread
A rustic loaf works wonders for mopping up the sauce when you don’t want to leave a drop behind.

10. With a simple side salad
When we want to lighten things up, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

The first time I made this chicken chili, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But when I added the cinnamon and chocolate, everything changed. The smell filled my kitchen, and I knew it was going to be special. My family could not wait to try it. When we sat down, every spoonful was warm, rich, and full of flavor. Now it’s one of those recipes I make again and again because it always brings smiles.

1. Cook the chicken first so it shreds easy.

2. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.

3. Don’t skip the cinnamon it makes magic.

4. Add the chocolate slowly so it melts smooth.

5. Stir the chili every 20 minutes while simmering.

6. Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed.

7. Serve with cornbread for the perfect match.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Chicken Chili Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs on this Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What kind of chicken should I use?

We usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They roast up tender and shred beautifully, but thighs also work if you like richer flavor.

2. Do I really need cinnamon and chocolate?

Yes, trust us! They don’t make the chili taste sweet. Instead, they add warmth and depth that surprise everyone who tries it.

3. How do I know when the chicken is ready?

After baking for 30–40 minutes at 350°F, the chicken should be fully white inside with no pink. We let it rest a few minutes before shredding.

4. Can I make this chili spicy?

Absolutely. We toss in jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne when we want extra heat. Adjust to your own taste.

5. What beans work best?

We’ve had great results with white beans like cannellini or great northern. They soak up all that rich flavor while staying tender.

6. How long should I simmer the chili?

We usually let it go for at least 1 hour, but closer to 2 hours makes it thicker and even more flavorful.

7. Can I use canned chicken to save time?

We’ve tried it once, but honestly, roasting fresh chicken makes the flavor so much better.

8. What toppings do you recommend?

Cheese, sour cream, avocado, or even tortilla chips. We switch it up depending on what we have at home.

9. Can I freeze this chili?

Yes! We portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. It reheats perfectly on the stovetop.

10. What do you serve it with?

Cornbread is our favorite, hands down. But sometimes we serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up every drop.

The Ina Garten Chicken Chili Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With roasted chicken, hearty beans, and a few unique spices, you’ll have a chili that’s rich, satisfying, and unforgettable. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

You can also follow us on Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious updates and kitchen inspiration. Your feedback and support mean the world to us!