Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Chili a Weeknight Winner
- Recipe Introduction
- Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili – Your Weeknight Winner!
- What's so Special About This Chipotle Chicken Chili?
- The Star of the Show: Chipotle Chili Powder
- Let's Talk Ingredients
- Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chipotle Chicken Chili
- Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili – A Weeknight Winner!
- Recipe Notes: Your Chili Masterclass
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a chili that's both comforting and packs a punch? This chipotle chicken chili recipe is calling your name! It’s got that smoky, spicy flavour that I absolutely crave, plus the sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Brief Overview
Chili is said to have originated in Northern Mexico. This twist on the classic is easy, ready in under an hour.
It serves 6-8 and is bound to become a new family favorite. This sweet potato chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and good for you. The sweet potatoes add a boost of vitamin A and antioxidants.
It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Honestly, this recipe is special because of its balance of smoky heat, sweetness, and hearty goodness.
Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili Your Weeknight Winner!
This isn't just any chili; it's my go-to when I want something quick, flavourful, and satisfying. Think smoky, slightly spicy, and with a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes.
It's like a warm hug in a bowl, you know? And it all starts with that amazing ground powder made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers.
It is easier than you think and it comes together in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something delicious without slaving away in the kitchen.
I’ve aimed for a weeknight chili recipe here because, let’s be real, who has time for hours long cooking during the week?
What's so Special About This Chipotle Chicken Chili?
What makes this recipe different? The addition of chipotle chili powder and sweet potatoes! The chipotle chili powder adds that fantastic smoky flavour that really elevates the chili.
I've tried others, but the flavour of smoked jalapeño powder wins every time! The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess, plus they're loaded with nutrients.
It's a win-win! The warmth of the spices with the sweetness of the sweet potato makes it the best spicy sweet potato recipes there is
The Star of the Show: Chipotle Chili Powder
So, what is chipotle chili powder ? It's basically smoked and dried jalapeños ground into a powder. That's it!. It’s what gives this chili its signature smoky heat, so don't skip it!
If you are wondering about a chipotle powder substitute , you can use regular chili powder mixed with a little smoked paprika , but the real stuff is worth seeking out.
You can also control the heat better with ancho chili powder .
Let's Talk Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 teaspoons)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces (680g)
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained (425g)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (approx. 2 cups)
- 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chipotle Chicken Chili
Alright, let's talk ingredients! This Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili isn't fussy. The best part? It's perfect for a weeknight chili recipe ! It's all about getting maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here's what you'll need. Accuracy is key, especially with spices. I've made this a million times, and precise measurements ensure a consistent, banging flavour!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) This gets everything started.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (approx. 1 cup )
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 2 teaspoons ) Fresh garlic is a must.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (approx. 1 cup ) Adds some sweetness and color.
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ), boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces. Thighs are key! They stay juicy.
- Chipotle Chili Powder : 1 tablespoon – Here's the star! More on this later.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds extra smokiness.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) For those who like it hot!
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794g )
- Black Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ), rinsed and drained.
- Kidney Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ), rinsed and drained.
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium , peeled and diced (approx. 2 cups ) This is what makes it a sweet potato chili recipe .
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup ( 240 ml )
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Secrets: Unleashing the Flavor
The magic is in the spices, honestly! The chipotle chili powder brings the smoke and heat. You can use smoked jalapeño powder for a similar effect.
No chipotle? A chipotle powder substitute could be a mix of regular chili powder and a dash of smoked paprika .
Some people ask what's the best chili powder for chili ?, But the chipotle powder is what makes it shine.
Feel free to tweak the spice levels to your taste. I once accidentally added way too much cayenne pepper. It was volcanic! Learn from my mistakes.
For a deeper flavour, consider making your own homemade chili seasoning . It's easier than you think!. You can play around with different smoked chili powder recipes .
I like to throw in a bit of ancho chili powder for a bit of extra complexity.
Essential Equipment: Keep it Simple
You really don't need fancy equipment for this.
- A large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot is perfect.
- A chopping board.
- A good knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, a regular large pot will work. As long as it’s heavy bottomed, it will distribute the heat evenly.
This spicy sweet potato recipes is super flexible and easy to adapt to what you have! Let’s get cooking.
Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili A Weeknight Winner!
Honestly, you need this chipotle chicken chili in your life. Forget boring weeknight dinners. This chili is easy and packed with flavor.
The secret? Good quality chipotle chili powder . It adds such a smoky depth. Ready to get started?
Prep Steps: Your Chili Game Plan
Okay, before we dive in, let's get organized. "Mise en place" is your friend! Chop your onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
Dice those sweet potatoes too. Having everything prepped saves you so much time. Plus, no tears later from trying to chop onions with spicy fingers!
Remember, always use a clean cutting board. Keep raw chicken separate. Trust me on this. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy!
step-by-step to Chili Perfection
- Sauté aromatics in olive oil for 5 minutes over medium heat. Then add garlic and bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes .
- Brown chicken in the pot.
- Stir in chipotle chili powder , cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), and oregano. Cook for 1 minute .
- Add tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, and broth.
- Simmer, covered, on low for at least 30 minutes .
- Season to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
The sweet potatoes should be tender when it's ready. If it starts sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir more often. Nobody wants burnt chili.
Pro Tips for Chili Champs
Want to take your chili to the next level? Blooming the spices makes a huge difference. Cooking them in oil first releases their oils. It gives them a richer flavor.
Common mistake alert: not tasting and adjusting seasoning! Chili needs love. A pinch of salt or an extra dash of chipotle chili powder can make all the difference.
Speaking of, if you can't find chipotle chili powder , a mix of regular chili and smoked jalapeño powder will do the trick in a pinch.
And if you want that sweet potato chili recipe ready for a busy week, make it ahead! Chili is always better the next day.
The flavors deepen and get even tastier. Plus, there's nothing like having a weeknight chili recipe in the books, ready to come to the rescue on short notice.
Closing Time
There you have it - a super simple Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili recipe that you can adapt to your liking.
Whether you like it spicy or sweet , you will be able to adjust this best chili powder for chili recipe.
Serve with homemade cornbread or just lime wedges
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Your Chili Masterclass
Okay, let’s talk chili, seriously . This Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili is a total game changer. It’s not just tasty, it’s incredibly versatile.
I honestly make this at least once a month, and it’s always a crowd pleaser.
Serving It Up Like a Pro
Forget boring bowls! Think about presentation. Ladle your sweet potato chili recipe into rustic bowls. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt (healthier than sour cream, you know?), a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe a cheeky wedge of lime.
For sides, cornbread is always a winner. Or how about some guac and tortilla chips? Boom! You could serve with mexican rice.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chili gets even better the next day. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
To freeze, portion it out into freezer safe bags or containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months . Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
Remixing the Recipe
Want to mix it up? No problem! This recipe is super adaptable. Need a vegetarian option? Swap the chicken for lentils.
Add extra veggies? Go wild! Spinach, zucchini, even corn would be fab.
If you cannot get chipotle powder substitute , try using a mix of regular chili powder and smoked jalapeño powder and you'll still achieve that smoky taste.
Want more heat? A dash of cayenne or some minced jalapeño will do the trick.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, I'm not a nutritionist, but let's keep it real. This chili is packed with protein from the chicken and beans. It’s got fiber from the beans and sweet potatoes.
The sweet potatoes add vitamins and antioxidants, making this a genuinely healthy meal. Just watch the sodium and fat.
Oh my gosh, the flavor of this weeknight chili recipe is crazy. It's enhanced a lot by the chipotle chili powder , giving that smoky heat everyone loves.
Don't stress about making it perfect the first time. Cooking is about experimenting and having fun. You got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chipotle chili powder, anyway? Is it just super spicy chili powder?
Not quite! Chipotle chili powder is made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, which gives it a distinctive smoky flavor in addition to the chili pepper heat. Think of it as regular chili powder's cooler, slightly mysterious cousin who's been to a barbecue and has a story to tell.
It adds a depth that regular chili powder just can't match.
My chili is too spicy! Help! How can I tone down the heat from the chipotle chili powder?
Oops, a bit too much zing? Don't panic! Dairy is your friend here. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can mellow out the heat. You can also add a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup or a squeeze of lime juice, which all can help balance the spiciness.
Next time, start with a smaller amount of chipotle chili powder and add more to taste you can always add more, but you can't take it out!
I can't find chipotle chili powder at my local Tesco (or insert your local grocery store). What's a good substitute?
No worries, sometimes the spice aisle can be a bit hit-or-miss! A good substitute is a mix of regular chili powder and smoked paprika. Start with equal parts and adjust to your taste. While it won't be exactly the same, it will give you a similar smoky and spicy vibe.
You could even add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper if you really want to kick up the heat, but be careful!
Can I make this Chipotle Chicken & Sweet Potato Chili ahead of time? Does it freeze well?
Absolutely! Chili is a fantastic make-ahead meal. In fact, many people think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. It also freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this chili healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know?
This chili is packed with goodness! Chicken provides lean protein, sweet potatoes offer complex carbohydrates and fiber, and the beans are a great source of plant based protein and fiber as well. The chipotle chili powder adds flavor without adding extra fat or calories.
To keep it even healthier, use lean chicken, go easy on the sour cream and cheese, and load up on veggies! Check the nutritional information for estimates to assist with meal planning.
I'm vegetarian. Can I still enjoy this recipe?
You bet! Simply swap out the chicken for a vegetarian protein source like crumbled tofu, lentils, or even extra black beans. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The chipotle chili powder will still add that delicious smoky flavor, making it a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian chili.
It's a "win-win"!
Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Chili A Weeknight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 8g |
