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apple chicken chili - featured image

Delicious Apple Chicken Chili Recipe Easy Fall Dinner for Picky Eaters

  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A comforting fall chili featuring tender chicken, crisp apples, and hearty spices that even picky eaters love. This one-pot meal balances sweet and savory flavors for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
  3. Add chicken breasts or thighs whole to the pot. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
  4. Sear the chicken on each side until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Chicken will not be fully cooked yet.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes with juices, and diced apples. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Remove chicken pieces and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with black beans if using.
  8. Stir well and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken chili slightly.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired. Add more broth or water if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
  10. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Optional toppings include sour cream or shredded cheese.

Notes

Searing the chicken adds caramelized flavor. Use fresh apples peeled to avoid tough skin. Adjust spice levels gradually. Let chili rest 10 minutes before serving to deepen flavors. Slow cooker and Instant Pot adaptations available. Leftovers freeze well.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: apple chicken chili, fall dinner, easy chili recipe, picky eaters, one-pot meal, comfort food, healthy chili

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Find it online: https://gentlerecipes.com/delicious-apple-chicken-chili-recipe-easy-fall-dinner-for-picky-eaters/