Unlike a heavy, greasy, beef-and-cheese chili, this chicken version has the fresh flavors of a summer salad, while being hearty and warming. It’s my favorite with buttered whole-wheat toast on a chilly day.
Recipe origins: My mom’s “Best Chicken” special edition of Canadian Living magazine, spring 2008.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground chicken (500 g)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp oregano
- ¼ red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste (¼ to ½ tsp each)
- 1 28-oz can tomatoes, chopped (796 mL)
- 1 19-oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (540 mL)
- 1 19-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (540 mL)
Steps
In a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter and cook garlic and onions on medium heat, until soft with a bit of golden color.
Add chicken and fry until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Add carrot, celery, bell pepper, flavorings (chili powder, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes), and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for a minute or two.
Add tomatoes and kidney beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add chickpeas; simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.

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