Ina Garten Chili Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, hearty bowl of chili. It’s warm, filling, and always brings people together around the table. When your loved ones come home after a long trip or a busy day, this dish feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, takes a classic chili recipe and gives it her signature touch. Instead of heavy beef chili, she uses roasted chicken to make it lighter yet still full of flavor. This little twist makes it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food without all the guilt.

Whether you’re preparing it for family dinners, game nights, or a casual get-together with friends, Ina Garten’s chili is guaranteed to be a hit. Pair it with crunchy tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheese, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

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

Ina Garten’s or Barefoot Contessa chili is a vibrant twist on the traditional beef chili. Instead of red meat, she uses tender roasted chicken, which adds richness without feeling too heavy. The chicken is shredded into big chunks, giving the chili a rustic, hearty texture.

The flavor profile is layered with sautéed onions, garlic, sweet bell peppers, and bold spices like cumin, chili powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. These spices bring warmth and a gentle kick of heat, while basil adds a refreshing herbal note in place of cilantro.

The result is Ina Garten Turkey Chili that tastes robust, slightly smoky, and perfectly balanced between spicy and savory. Each spoonful delivers chunky vegetables, tender chicken, and the cozy essence of slow-simmered tomatoes a dish that feels both comforting and wholesome.

Ingredients Required for Ina Garten Chili Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Barefoot Contessa Chili Recipe

• 4 cups onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp garlic, chopped
• 2 yellow bell peppers, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 cans (28 oz each) canned tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
• 4 cups cooked roasted chicken, torn into large chunks
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Tortilla chips

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon
3. Chef’s knife & cutting board
4. Measuring spoons
5. Ladle for serving

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls

Copycat Ina Garten Chili Recipe

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

1. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 cups of chopped onions and cook for about 10 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.

2. Add bell peppers: Chop 2 yellow and 2 red bell peppers into large chunks. Add them to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes. This gives the chili a hearty, chunky texture.

3. Season with spices: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons salt. Stir well and let the spices toast for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

4. Stir in tomatoes and basil: Chop two 28-ounce cans of tomatoes and add them with their juices. Stir in ¼ cup of roughly chopped basil. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the chicken: Shred about 4 cups of roasted chicken into large chunks. Add it to the simmering chili and stir gently so the flavors blend. Cook for another 20 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

6. Serve and enjoy: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or tortilla chips for extra flavor.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Ina Garten Chili

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

1. With Buttery Cornbread
Honestly, nothing soaks up that spicy tomato broth better than a slice of warm, buttery cornbread. We love baking it fresh while the chili simmers.

2. Over Fluffy Rice
Whenever we want to stretch the meal, we spoon the chili over white or brown rice. It makes each bowl extra hearty and filling.

3. Loaded Baked Potatoes
We’ve tried serving the chili on top of baked potatoes, and wow it turns into a comfort food feast with sour cream and cheddar.

4. With Crunchy Tortilla Chips
Sometimes we skip the spoon and just use tortilla chips for dipping. It feels like the best kind of Tex-Mex snack.

5. As Chili Nachos
We’ve layered chili over tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños it’s basically game-day heaven.

6. With a Crisp Green Salad
To balance the richness, a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side works wonders.

7. In a Bread Bowl
Serving chili inside a crusty bread bowl? Total showstopper. The bread soaks up all the flavors beautifully.

8. With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
On chilly nights, we love pairing chili with gooey grilled cheese. It’s comfort food squared.

9. Topped with Fresh Avocado
A few slices of creamy avocado on top cools down the spice and makes it feel extra fresh.

10. With Beer or Sparkling Water
Finally, nothing beats enjoying a hot bowl of chili with an ice-cold drink beer for game night or sparkling water with lime for a lighter vibe.

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

I made this chili when my best friend came home after a long trip. I wanted something warm and full of love, so I tried Ina Garten’s chicken chili. The smell of onions and spices filled my kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to dig in. We laughed, shared stories, and ate big bowls topped with cheese and chips. It wasn’t just dinner it felt like home. This recipe is now one of my favorite ways to show I care.

1. Roast the chicken first it keeps the meat juicy.

2. Cut peppers into big chunks for texture.

3. Let the spices cook for a minute so they taste stronger.

4. Use canned tomatoes it saves time.

5. Add basil if you don’t like cilantro.

6. Taste at the end and add more salt if needed.

7. Make it a day ahead it gets even better!

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ina Garten Chili Properly?

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

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen!

FAQs on this Ina Garten Chili Recipe

When you give this Ina Garten 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 works best?

We’ve found that roasting bone-in, skin-on chicken keeps it moist and flavorful. Shredding it into chunks makes the chili hearty.

2. Can I make this with beef instead of chicken?

Yes! We’ve tried it with ground beef, and it works just like a classic chili. But the chicken version feels lighter.

3. How spicy is this chili?

It’s got a little kick from cayenne and red pepper flakes, but it’s not overpowering. We like to start mild, then add more spice for heat lovers.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. We think it tastes even better the next day because the flavors blend together overnight.

5. How do I know when the chili is ready?

Once the veggies are tender, the chicken is heated through, and the tomatoes have cooked down a bit, it’s good to go.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! We often freeze extra portions in airtight containers. It reheats beautifully on busy nights.

7. What toppings taste best?

Our favorites are shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and tortilla chips. Sometimes we even add fresh lime juice.

8. Can I make it vegetarian?

We’ve swapped chicken for beans and extra veggies before it turns out just as comforting.

9. How many people does this recipe serve?

We usually get about 6 generous bowls out of one pot. Perfect for family dinners.

10. What sides go well with this chili?

Cornbread, baked potatoes, or a crisp green salad always pair beautifully with this dish.

Ina Garten’s chili recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and health. With its hearty vegetables, flavorful spices, and tender chicken, it’s a lighter take on a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving it for family, friends, or simply craving a cozy meal, this dish is sure to impress.

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.

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