I was meal prepping for the week and had ground chicken that needed to be used. I browned it with onions and garlic, added white beans, green chiles, and broth, and simmered it all together. The result was a chili with a completely different texture than traditional chunked chicken lighter, more even, and incredibly easy to portion. My meal prep containers stayed full all week. This Ground Chicken Chili became my favorite what to make with ground chicken solution.

This lean, ground-based chili is the ultimate stovetop winner. For a classic chunked chicken version, my easy white chicken chili is ready in 30 minutes. When you want hands-off cooking, my crockpot white chicken chili simmers all day. And for lightning-fast pressure cooking, my instant pot white chicken chili is done in 15 minutes.

Why This Ground Chicken Chili Wins

I have made this countless times for meal prep and weeknight dinners, and here is why it is unstoppable.

Perfect Ground Texture: Ground chicken distributes evenly throughout the chili for consistent flavor in every bite.
Lean Protein Champion: Ground chicken breast is one of the leanest proteins available. Texture is lighter without feeling sparse.
Ultra-Convenient: Already ground means zero shredding, zero prep fuss. Just brown and go.
Freezer Friendly: Portions beautifully into meal prep containers and freezes without texture changes.
Budget Conscious: Ground chicken is typically more affordable than breast pieces. More chili for less money.

The Ground Chicken Chili Ingredients Lineup

This recipe uses ground chicken as the foundation for something completely different.

The Ground Chicken
Ground chicken breast is leanest, but ground thighs work too if you want more flavor and fat. Use 2-3 pounds total.

The White Beans
Great Northern beans or cannellini beans provide heartiness and protein. Use 3 cans total. They are essential.

The Aromatics
Onion, garlic, and optional bell pepper create the flavor foundation. Brown them first with the chicken.

The Broth
Good-quality chicken broth ties everything together and creates the perfect consistency.

The Green Chiles
Canned diced green chiles bring flavor and that signature white chili taste with zero prep.

The Seasonings
Cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and a splash of lime juice create incredible depth.

The Finishing Touch
A splash of lime juice and fresh cilantro brighten the chili at the end.

How to Make It: Easy Browning Method

This ground chicken chili comes together quickly with simple browning.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken
In a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, add ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mostly browned. Do not worry about sticking ground chicken releases its own moisture.

Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Optional: add diced bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices
Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in chicken broth, drained white beans, and canned green chiles.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Increase heat to bring the chili to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low.

Step 6: Simmer
Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Add salt, pepper, additional cumin, or oregano as needed. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness.

Step 8: Serve
Ladle into bowls. Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced jalapeños, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Easy Ways to Customize Your Ground Chicken Chili

This lean base is flexible for personalization.

Add More Vegetables
Mix in corn, diced carrots, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

Make It Spicier
Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for heat without adding fat.

Make It Creamier
Stir in a splash of heavy cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese at the end for richness.

Add Fresh Herbs
Fresh cilantro, oregano, or parsley stirred in at the end elevates the flavor significantly.

Make It Sausage-Based
Swap half the ground chicken with ground sausage for more depth and richness.

Go Crockpot Style
Brown the chicken and aromatics first, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Add Grains
Mix in cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier, more filling meal.

Make It Extra Hearty
Add extra beans or diced white potato for more substance and carbs.

Meal Prep and Weeknight Dinners with This Chili

This ground chicken chili is perfect for meal preppers and busy weeknights. For a creamier bean version, try my white bean chicken chili for different comfort. For a lighter broth-based option, my simple white chicken chili uses minimal ingredients.

For complete meal variety, serve this chili alongside my white chicken enchiladas for contrast. For a different creamy experience, my white chicken lasagna soup offers Italian-inspired comfort. And for slow-cooked depth, my cream cheese chicken chili offers ultimate richness.

Pro Tips for Ground Chicken Chili Perfection

Break It Into Small Pieces: As ground chicken browns, break it into very small pieces for even texture throughout the chili.
Use Medium-High Heat: Ground chicken needs good heat to brown properly. Do not use low heat or it will steam instead of brown.
Do Not Drain Liquid: Unlike ground beef, ground chicken releases flavorful liquid. Keep it in the pot it adds moisture and flavor.
Bloom Your Spices: Add spices to the hot pan after browning for 1 minute before adding liquid. This activates their flavor.
Drain and Rinse Beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and starch.
Add Aromatics Before Beans: Sauté onion and garlic for better flavor development than just dumping everything together.
Low and Slow After Boiling: Once you bring it to a boil, immediately reduce to medium-low for gentle simmering.
Taste Before Serving: Always adjust seasonings at the end. You may want more cumin, oregano, or lime.
Cool Before Portioning: Let chili cool slightly before filling meal prep containers to prevent condensation.
Portion Size: A 1.5-cup serving is perfect for meal prep filling but not overwhelming.
Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions.
Reheat Gently: Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave works too for quick reheating.

The Ground Chicken Chili That Changed Everything

This Ground Chicken Chili is proof that ground chicken is more versatile than most people realize. Lean, convenient, and incredibly delicious, this chili brings a different texture and lightness to the white chili family. Make it once for meal prep Sunday, and you will have perfect portions ready for the entire week.

Whether you are meal prepping for the week, feeding your family on a busy weeknight, or looking for what to make with ground chicken, this chili delivers nutrition and taste in every spoonful.

Ground Chicken Chili (Lean Protein Version)

Author: danyrecipes
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 6-8 Servings

Print Recipe

Description

Lean ground chicken white chili that’s perfect for meal prep! Ground chicken breast creates an even texture throughout. Loaded with beans, green chiles, and spices. Ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

2–3 lbs ground chicken breast (or mix of breast and thigh)
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (optional), diced
3 cans (15 oz each) white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed
2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
6 cups chicken broth
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 limes, juiced (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Optional toppings: cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños, avocado, sour cream

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Chicken: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until mostly browned.
Add Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Optional: add diced bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute to bloom spices.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, drained white beans, and canned green chiles.
Bring to Boil: Increase heat to bring chili to gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer: Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and liquid to reduce slightly.
Taste and Adjust: Add salt, pepper, additional cumin, or oregano as needed. Squeeze of lime juice adds brightness.
Serve: Ladle into bowls. Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced jalapeños, avocado, or dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Break Into Small Pieces: As ground chicken browns, break into very small pieces for even texture.

Use Medium-High Heat: Ground chicken needs good heat to brown properly. Don’t use low heat or it will steam.

Keep the Liquid: Unlike ground beef, ground chicken releases flavorful liquid. Keep it in the pot for moisture and flavor.

Bloom Your Spices: Add spices to hot pan after browning for 1 minute before adding liquid to activate flavor.

Drain and Rinse Beans: Always drain and rinse to reduce sodium and starch.

Add Aromatics First: Sauté onion and garlic for better flavor development than dumping everything together.

Low and Slow: Once boiling, immediately reduce to medium-low for gentle simmering.

Taste Before Serving: Always adjust seasonings at end. You may want more cumin, oregano, or lime.

Cool Before Portioning: Let chili cool slightly before filling meal prep containers to prevent condensation.

Perfect Portion Size: 1.5-cup serving is filling but not overwhelming for meal prep.

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in individual portions.

Reheat Gently: Reheat on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave works too.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Main Course, Soup, Stew, Meal Prep
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1.2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Ground Chicken Chili