Description
This Chipotle Chicken Chili, affectionately known as C3, is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with smoky chipotle peppers, savory beans, and vibrant vegetables simmered together in a rich V8 tomato base. Perfect for a comforting meal that feeds a crowd, this chili balances mild heat with robust southwest-inspired spices.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 3/4 lb. chicken breast
Canned & Jarred Goods
- 1 32oz. bottle V8 juice
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 15oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
- 1/2 4oz. can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (about 2 peppers plus 2 spoonfuls of sauce)
Frozen
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they become soft and transparent, about 5 minutes, releasing their aroma and sweetness.
- Add Ingredients to Pot: Add the chicken breast, V8 juice, diced tomatoes, drained kidney and black beans, frozen corn, chili powder, cumin, and oregano into the pot. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Chipotle: Open the can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Remove two peppers, mince them finely, and add them to the pot. Also, add two spoonfuls of the adobo sauce from the can for smoky, spicy depth. Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat with a lid on. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently, covered, for 1 hour. This slow simmer allows flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through thoroughly.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breast from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Using two forks, shred the chicken finely. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
- Adjust Flavor and Serve: Taste the chili and add additional chipotle peppers if you prefer more heat. Season with salt gradually, starting with about 1 teaspoon, adjusting to your preference depending on the saltiness of the beans and other ingredients. Stir to combine and serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of chipotle peppers up or down based on your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables.
- This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors have further developed.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for added richness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Soup & Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwest
