Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

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4.75 from 4 votes

Mar 22, 2019, Updated Jul 02, 2021

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Chicken Chili made with leftover grilled or smoked chicken is super easy, jam packed with flavor, and isn’t too rich to weigh you down.

This recipe is great with any shredded chicken, really, but I love the subtle smoky flavor that the smoked or grilled chicken provides. Great for game day or a weeknight family meal.

It’s also gluten free and dairy free (if you use dairy free shredded cheese and leave out sour cream)!

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (2)

Chicken is probably the protein we cook the most around here. Even if we’re smoking a brisket on a Sunday, we throw in a whole chicken to use the meat throughout the week (and also make stock from the carcass!). It’s super versatile, and bonus, our kids love it!

This chicken chili is inspired by our brisket chili, but intended to be a bit easier, and also lighter (brisket is rich!). It’s a great weeknight meal for any leftover chicken you may have (smoked or otherwise). Though we’ve been known to smoke a whole roaster chicken just to use the meat strictly for this chili.

Got friends coming over for a big game? Throw on a pot of this chicken chili!

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (3)

Smoked Red Chicken Chili

This chili is a red chicken chili versus a white chicken chili, which my husband refers to as a “soup” not a “chili” 😉

What is chili?

That is a question that many people will have different responses and opinions to. If you go the dictionary route, it’s a sauce with chili peppers in it. In this case we have chili powder and red peppers. So technically a chili. There are few rules to chili. Ask someone from Texas, they will say no beans, all meat. Go to someone in Arizona, and their version of chili con carne may include corn, meat, and beans. You get the drift here, so long as we have chili peppers and a sauce, it’s a chili. (Ahem Sean – white chili is a thing!)

In this case we just love the added flavor and body the red sauce provides.

In this case we’re using leftover smoked chicken, but any shredded chicken will do, smoked or otherwise (chicken breasts, thighs, you name it). Layer with onions, garlic, red bell pepper, green chili, some sauce and spices, and you’ve got yourself a winning chili.

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (4)

How to make Smoked Chicken Chili

First smoke the chicken, for reference, here is asmoked whole chicken recipe to start with.

If you don’t feel like smoking a chicken, use whatever chicken you have around (we use 3 cups of shredded meat in this recipe).

Next, for the chili start by softening some onions and red bell pepper, toss in some garlic, and then add your liquids, spices, and shredded chicken, and let them simmer for 30 mins to one hour. If you want a richer chili then feel free to cook longer. But we’re usually cooking this on a busy weeknight and cut it off around the 30-45 min mark. But the longer you cook it the richer the flavors will be.

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (5)

What to add to Chicken Chili

Like our concept of what is chili…what you put into chicken chili is up to you.

  • Want beans? Add them. Kidney, black, and white beans all work great.
  • Want some sweet to balance any heat? Corn is a great natural addition to sweeten the pot.
  • Like spice? Fresh serrano, poblano, orjalapeño are all great to supplement dried chili powder.
  • You can also add some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (one of my personal favs).
  • Want a more liquid version? Add some beer, wine, or chicken stock. Add what sounds best to you and what you have on hand.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Chili Toppings

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Thinly slicedjalapeños
  • Sliced avocado
  • Freshly diced white onions, green onions, or chives
  • Even bits of crispy bacon!

Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (6)

4.75 from 4 votes

Smoked Chicken Chili

By Mary Cressler | Vindulge

Chicken Chili recipe made with leftover grilled or smoked chicken is super easy, jam packed with flavor, and isn't too rich to weigh you down.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 large white onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 jalapeño, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 cups leftover smoked chicken, shredded
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 4 ounce can diced green chilis
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce (we love Valentina)
  • 1/4 cup coffee (leftover from your morning pot is perfect)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • In a large sauce pan or dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil and white onions. Soften for 4 minutes. Add red pepper and jalapeño, continue to soften for additional 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute.

  • Add chili powder and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly. Reduce heat if the saute is browning.

  • Add all remaining ingredients and stir. Simmer for 30 minutes covered, with cover slightly open to release some steam. Stir occasionally to avoid browning the sauce. For a richer sauce simmer for 60 minutes total.

  • When you see desired thickness (can be up to an hour), remove from heat, stir, and serve warm.

  • Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy.

Notes

Recipe for smoked whole chicken can be found here. Otherwise feel free to use any shredded chicken (no skin).

For more heat consider some chipotle in adobo.

For additional richness, add more tomato paste or chili powder.

Want more liquid, don’t simmer as long or add more tomato sauce.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Mary Cressler | Vindulge

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Course: Entree

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Keyword: chicken chili, easy chili recipes, smoked chicken chili

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (7)

Wine Pairing

This is a fairly mild chili, not overpowered by too much spice or intensity. Something fruity with some richness, yet balanced acidity work well.Rioja (or other Tempranillo) is a fun one, as is Syrah. If you start to load it up the chili with some richness or more heat, and need something to refresh the palate, a Beaujolais is a nice option for red (fruity, juicy, and refreshing). You can also opt for a bold stylerosé for something bright and refreshing.

More Leftover Chicken Recipes

  • Smoked Chicken Verde Soup
  • Buffalo Chicken Pizza
  • Spicy Grilled Chicken Tacos
  • Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos

If youlike this recipe we’d trulyappreciate it if you would give this recipe a star review! And if you share any of your pics onInstagram use the hashtag #vindulge. We LOVE to see it when you cook our recipes.

Categorized as:

Dinner, Food, , Poultry, Recipes, , Soups, Wine

Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (8)

Vindulge

About Mary

I'm Mary, a wine/food/travel writer, Certified Sommelier, mom of twins, former vegetarian turned BBQ fanatic, runner, founder of Vindulge, and author of Fire + Wine cookbook. Thanks for stopping by!

About Me

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Easy Smoked Chicken Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long to smoke chili at 225? ›

combine all of the spices. Sprinkle liberally over both the vegetables and ground beef. Set the baking pan on the grate of your smoker, close the lid and smoke at 225 for about an hour. Heat a large pot over medium heat.

What gives chili a smoky flavor? ›

Modify it. If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  1. Brown the Meat.
  2. Don't Forget Vegetables.
  3. Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  4. Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  5. Opt for Dried Beans.
  6. Season Early and Often.
  7. Add Some Acidity at the End.
  8. Top It Off.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

Is it safe to smoke chicken at 225? ›

Smoker temps for smoked chicken

Cook your chicken at 225–250°F (107–121°C) for an hour to imbue the meat with smoky goodness. The slow smoking not only gives us flavor, but it also cooks the meat quite gently for that first hour. Once that's done, though, it's time to crank up the heat.

What is the best cut of meat to smoke for chili? ›

There are several cuts of meat you can use, but the easiest and least expensive is probably chuck roast. Beef chuck is a huge primal cut that comes mainly from the shoulder section of the steer. It's very fatty, which gives it good flavor and has lots of connective tissue that requires a long cook time to tenderize.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What does brown sugar do to chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What gives chili the most flavor? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

Why do you put cornmeal in chili? ›

Add cornmeal: Cornmeal absorbs excess liquid, so adding a tablespoon of it to your pot of chili will thicken the final result. Allow the chili to simmer for about ten minutes after you add the cornmeal.

Does tomato paste make chili thicker? ›

Not only will tomato paste add a tangy flavor to the dish, but it will also act as a thickening agent. For this purpose, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato paste. Add 1 can of the paste to your pot of chili, stir the mixture, and let it cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes.

How long does it take to smoke chiles? ›

Here you should really experiment with wood of your choice, as each will impart a different smoky flavor. Use enough wood to smoke the peppers for 2-3 hours. 3 is best, as it takes a while for the wood smoke to truly permeate the peppers, but check on them at the 2 hour mark to make sure everything is OK.

Is 4 hours long enough for chili? ›

How long can you leave chili in a crockpot on low? I have left it for as long as 4 hours during an extended chili cook-off. It was a bit thicker, but it was still delicious — at least the person who got the last bit of chili out of the crock-pot said so.

What temperature do you smoke chillies? ›

Smoke the chili in an electric smoker

Prepare the electric smoker to smoke with hickory wood at a steady 275°F-300°F.

How long does it take to cook meat at 225 degrees? ›

Divide that by the 5 lbs of meat and you come up with 48 minutes per pound at 225 degrees. If you don't have a meat thermometer, 45-50 minutes per pound of meat being roasted should work out pretty close to right. Caroline said once that it should take 45 minutes per pound, but that was at a different temperature.

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