Southwest Chicken Chili from Jason's Deli features tender chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes simmered with smoky chipotle peppers and southwestern spices, served as a hearty, flavorful stew with a vibrant red-orange color and chunky texture.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Can opener
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Mixing bowls (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle can)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 (15 oz) can corn
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
Selecting boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs will affect the dish's tenderness and cooking time, so choose according to your preference. Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness, especially when combined with canned ingredients like black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, which may already contain added salt. The smoky flavor in this chili heavily relies on chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, so be sure to use both the pepper and the sauce for a balanced smoky and spicy profile. Fresh garlic and onion are essential to building the base flavor, and measuring your southwestern spices accurately ensures a harmonious blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Your final dish will closely replicate the hearty, flavorful Southwest Chicken Chili from Jason's Deli copycat menu, characterized by its vibrant red-orange color and chunky texture.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the chipotle pepper.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped chipotle pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside.
- Stir in adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, black pepper, and salt.
- Add black beans (rinsed and drained), corn (drained), diced tomatoes (with juices), green chilies, and chicken broth.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check chicken for doneness and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If desired, stir in chopped fresh cilantro at the end.
- Ladle chili into bowls and serve hot.
Substitution
Southwest Chicken Chili from Jason's Deli copycat menu uses smoky chipotle peppers that can be substituted with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat. If fresh cilantro is unavailable, dried oregano or parsley can add a similar herbaceous note to your chili. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with extra black beans or cubed butternut squash to maintain the hearty texture. When using canned beans, rinsing them reduces sodium content and improves flavor balance. Your choice of chicken broth can also be swapped for vegetable broth without sacrificing richness in the stew.
Tips
Make sure to properly rinse and drain the canned black beans and corn to reduce excess sodium in your Southwest Chicken Chili. When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking and develop a better sear. Chop the chipotle pepper finely to distribute its smoky heat evenly throughout the stew. Your chili's flavor deepens as it simmers, so resist the urge to rush this step for a rich, balanced taste.
Nutritions
Southwest Chicken Chili provides a balanced mix of lean protein from chicken breast or thighs and dietary fiber from black beans and corn, supporting muscle maintenance and digestive health. The dish is rich in vitamins A and C, primarily from diced tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh cilantro, which contribute to immune function and antioxidant protection. With the use of low-sodium chicken broth and controlled salt amounts, it offers a heart-healthy, flavorful meal option without excess sodium. You can enjoy this hearty stew as a nutrient-dense choice that promotes satiety and helps manage energy levels throughout the day.
Storage
Store your Southwest Chicken Chili in an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, preserving the flavors of chipotle peppers, black beans, and spices. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breast with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier texture and richer flavor. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with cubed butternut squash or sweet potatoes and use vegetable broth. Experiment with smoked or dried ancho chilies instead of chipotle for a milder spice with smoky undertones. To deepen the chili's flavor, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown before simmering, enhancing the stew's richness and aroma.
Allergies
Southwest Chicken Chili contains common allergens such as chicken, which may trigger reactions in individuals with poultry allergies. The presence of spices like chipotle pepper and chili powder could also cause sensitivities or allergic reactions in some people. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients or legumes like black beans, exercise caution when consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
Southwest Chicken Chili from Jason's Deli is popular due to its robust blend of smoky, spicy flavors combined with tender chicken and hearty beans, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. The chili features a perfect balance of savory spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, complemented by fresh ingredients that deliver depth and authenticity. You'll appreciate how this dish offers a wholesome, comforting experience that's both flavorful and filling, making it worth recreating at home. Crafting a copycat version allows you to enjoy this gourmet taste anytime while tailoring the spice level to your preference.