Autumn is here and there is a chill in the air. When you feel that chill does your thoughts turn to a nice bowl of hot chili? If so you will love Santa Fe Chicken Chili.
I found this recipe in an issue of Country Woman several years ago and it is a favorite with both family and friends. Not only is it full of flavor, you can make it a day ahead or double the recipe and freeze extra for a day when you need something on the table fast.
To make this chili as healthy as it is full of flavor I use less oil and made a small change in the way it is prepared.
Ingredients
2 Lbs. chicken breast, boneless/skinless
cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 red peppers, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil /I use 2 Tblsps.
2 tsps. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 large onions, chopped
1 – 28oz. can diced tomatoes/undrained
2 – 14oz. cans chicken broth/low-fat
2 – 15 1/2oz. cans kidney beans/drained & rinsed
1 – 12oz. jar salsa
I double the amount of salsa
1- 10oz. pkg. frozen corn
light salt (opt)
black pepper (to taste)
Original recipe:
In the original recipe the chicken and vegetables are browned together
in 1/4 cup olive oil. After the chicken is cooked through the rest of
ingredients are added to the same pan. Not only is this a lot of
unnecessary fat the fat from the chicken is absorb by the vegetables.
My version:
In large skillet brown chicken until no longer pink, with slotted spoon remove
chicken to a large kettle or 5qt. Dutch Oven.
Add 2 tblsps. olive oil, peppers, garlic, and onions, cook until vegetables are
tender, about 5 minutes.
Next add chili powder, cumin, cayenne and black pepper, and salt (opt), stir for
1 minute. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for
30 minutes.