If you’re in search of a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your meals, look no further than this One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili. With its enchanting blend of spices, savory chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this chili is not only a feast for the senses but also a perfect solution for those busy weekdays or peaceful weekends. Imagine a bubbling pot of deliciousness, combining the heartiness of chicken, the zestiness of lemon, and the richness of Greek herbs that come together in an effortless one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers nourishment and flavor in every bite.
This recipe is a wonderful gateway to exploring Greek flavors without the fuss of multiple pans or complicated methods. With ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, it’s easy to put together and requires minimal cleanup, making it a win-win in any kitchen. Gather your loved ones, and let the savory aroma of this One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili draw everyone to the dinner table. Plus, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese for that authentic Greek touch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional for extra Greek flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Begin your culinary adventure by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm up before introducing the chicken. Depending on your preference, you can choose to use either breast or thigh meat, but make sure they are boneless and skinless for this recipe. Cook the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown color. Once done, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Now, using the residual heat of the pot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. The combination of these ingredients will create a delightful aroma as they sauté together for around 5 minutes. Cook until the vegetables are soft, vibrant, and fragrant. It’s the perfect time to add depth to your chili by incorporating the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, thyme, along with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
After seasoning, return the golden chicken into the pot and pour in the chicken broth along with the can of diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as you see those bubbles, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer away for about 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld perfectly.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it once again from the pot. With the help of two forks, shred the tender chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. This is the time to add in the rinsed white beans, which provide a wonderful creaminess and heartiness to your chili. If you’d like that extra touch of flavor, throw in the kalamata olives before squeezing the juice of one fresh lemon over the mixture. This addition not only brightens the taste but also imparts that signature Greek touch to the dish.
Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well-integrated. After the gentle simmer, it’s finally time to dish out this delightful One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with some freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for that creamy finish. Enjoying this meal is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s also about celebrating the wonderful flavors that come together in this simple, yet spectacular dish.
Variations
One of the great aspects of this One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili is its adaptability. There are countless ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or to accommodate what you have on hand. For a heartier version, consider adding diced carrots, celery, or corn to the vegetable mix. Their sweetness and texture will complement the chili beautifully.
If you’re looking to up the ante on the spice level, feel free to throw in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. Alternatively, for those who appreciate a vegetarian meal, you can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, which will hold their shape and offer great texture.
For a refreshing twist, consider substituting lime juice for the lemon juice, as it will change the flavor profile to something slightly more tropical. And if you’re in the mood for a cheese substitute, try using goat cheese in place of feta, providing a tangier taste and unique creaminess to accompany the dish.
Cooking Notes
Cooking this One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili is straightforward, but keeping a few tips in mind can enhance your experience. First, it’s essential to cut your chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. A useful tool to have on hand is a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
When it comes to timing, remember that simmering for too long can cause the chicken to dry out. Therefore, keeping an eye on that cooking window of 20 to 25 minutes is crucial. For ease of preparation, consider chopping your vegetables ahead of time, making the cooking process more efficient.
Invest in a good quality pot with a heavy bottom, as it helps with even heating and prevents burning. Additionally, you can make this dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it with warm pita bread, crusty baguette, or even over a bed of fluffy rice. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt as an alternative to sour cream can elevate the dish even further and add a creamy texture.
For a complete meal, consider a light side salad tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables to balance the robust flavors of the chili. It’s such a versatile dish that you could also enjoy it topped with avocado slices or served in a bread bowl for a creative presentation.
Tips
- For a quicker preparation, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, for a variety of flavors.
- Make sure to taste the chili at the end of cooking to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated for a quick meal.
- Garnishing with fresh ingredients like parsley or extra olives just before serving will enhance the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Protein: 25g per serving
Sodium: 760mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, increasing the time a bit if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can portion it into containers and store it in the fridge or freezer for future meals.
Does this chili freeze well?
Yes, this One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different beans such as kidney beans or black beans, according to your preference.
What can I serve with this chili?
It pairs well with pita bread, rice, or a fresh side salad for a refreshing balance to the dish.
Conclusion
In summary, the One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili is a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, packed with nutritious ingredients, and completely satisfying. Not only does it provide a depth of flavor thanks to the combination of Greek spices, it also presents beautifully for any occasion. We encourage you to bring your creativity into the kitchen by trying out various additions or substitutions, and we hope you share your experiences in the comments below! Have you added your twist to this recipe? Or perhaps tried it with a unique pairing? We would love to hear your thoughts and any other tips that might enrich this dish further. Remember to share this recipe with friends and family and invite them to taste the magic of this One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili!
Print
One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Greek Chicken Chili is comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional for extra Greek flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin your culinary adventure by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to warm up before introducing the chicken.
- Cook the chicken pieces for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown color. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté together for around 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Add the white beans and kalamata olives, then squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture.
- Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then serve it in bowls garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
Notes
Cooking this dish ahead and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days is recommended. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Protein: 25 g