Awaken your tastesbuds with this spicy Healthy Chipotle Chicken Chili! Some of the heat from the chilis is tamed with a touch of maple syrup and cinnamon. Unconventional? Yes. Unforgettably awesome? Absolutely!
Chili is apparently the savory version of my Chocolate Chip Cookie obsession: I have more recipes for chili on this blog than any other type of dish. I just can’t help coming up with new flavor combinations for one of my favorite comfort foods. My latest is chipotle chilies and maple!
I LOVE chipotle chilies in adobo sauce. I will add it to just about anything even Chicken Wings.
The flavors of this chili are exceptional! The heat from the chilies is tempered by just a touch of maple syrup (oh yes I did!). A mix of ground chicken and spicy chicken sausage brings more flavor without the fat. More, please!
I know there is some fiery debate about beans in chili. I am not from Texas; I don’t know any Texans; and, thus, I do what I want and what I think tastes good. And that includes beans in my chili. #sothere
I love the additional heartiness from a mix of kidney and black beans and the flavor from a bit of corn.
I also thicken my chili with some mashed black beans. <-- Seriously best idea ever!
This chili was so good, in fact, there was barely enough chili left to photograph. I had a minor panic attack before figuring out a solution, because not bringing you this delicious, unique twist on chili to you was not an option. If you follow me on Instagram you probably also saw that my husband mutilated the healthy skillet cornbread that I made to go with it.
Let’s talk about the Healthy Shaker Cornbread. I tried this recipe from The Best of Shaker Cooking, 1985 Edition. It is a moist buttermilk cornbread with zero added sugar and only 2 tablespoons of butter in the whole recipe. It’s as healthy as corn bread gets.
My husband and I prefer our cornbread sweet and buttery. Our favorite is this Sweet Southern Cornbread, but one cannot eat decadent, calorie-laden cornbread with every meal and not expect negative consequences.
This cornbread definitely tastes “healthy”, but it is soft and moist and not too dense and it is delicious when dunked in the chipotle chicken chili. I have copied it below in case you are looking for a good, super healthy, gluten free cornbread. If you want an indulgent, sweet, buttery cornbread, this recipe is for you!
Kitchen Tip: Rarely does a recipe call for an entire can of chipotle chilies in adobo sauce. I hate waste, so I freeze the leftovers in a small ziptop plastic baggie (labeled, of course). When I need some chipotle peppers, I drop the baggie in warm water until it is still icy but the peppers have separated; I removed what I need and throw the rest back in the freezer.
Chipotle Chicken Chili and Healthy Shaker Cornbread
Ingredients
For the Chipotle Chili:
- 3 yellow onions
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (minced )
- 1 pound ground spicy chicken sausage
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 28 oz black beans (canned, drained (one mashed))
- 14 kidney beans (with juice)
- 56 oz roasted diced tomatoes ( and juice)
- ¾ cup corn (fresh or frozen will do)
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (Bonus Points for Homemade!)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons ancho chili powder (or New Mexican)
- ⅛ teaspoon Saigon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt (to taste)
For the Shaker Cornbread:
- 2 cups white corn meal (I used yellow)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ¼ cups lowfat buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
Instructions
To make the chili:
- Heat a Dutch oven or large stock pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Cook onions until they begin to release their juices and then add the garlic; cook, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, until onions are transluscent. Add the minced chipotle peppers and cook a few minutes to mingle the flavors.
- Add the ground chicken and sausage and brown until all the chicken has been cooked.
- Add all the remaining ingredients. Simmer over low heat at least an hour. The longer the better. I typically cook mine in a Dutch oven for at least 4 hours. I like to taste every hour and adjust the salt and spices as needed.
- Serve with cornbread, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese.
For the Cornbread:
- Preheat the oven to 425°. Butter a 10 inch skillet or 9 inch square baking dish, and preheat it in your oven. I didn’t butter mine and it stuck slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together corn meal, salt, soda, and baking powder.
- Add the butter and buttermilk and mix well. Add the eggs and beat until smooth.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Mine took just under 18.
Hungry for more Comfort Food?!
This recipe is linked to: Inspiration Monday, Merry Monday, Munching Monday, Monday Funday, Two Cup Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday, Party Time, Moonlight & Mason Jars, Gluten Free Wednesday, What’s Cookin’ Wednesday, Gluten Free Friday, Foodie Friday, Food on Friday, Flashback Friday, Saturday Night Fever
Kasia Reeder says
Is there a way to make this is a crock pot???
Lindsey says
Yes but you will need to add more spice because the crock pot seems to make spices disappear! I would add more at the end to taste.
Rosemary says
I made this for my Lady's Club meeting and it was a big hit. Lots of flavor.
Lindsey says
I'm so glad, Rosemary! Have a fantastic week!
Cheryl says
Looks so tempting as I love chipotle flavor. What kind of chicken sausage did you use?
Lindsey says
Hi Cheryl! I use a spicy Italian chicken sausage filling that I get from the Dekalb Farmer's Market in Atlanta.
cheryl says
Thanks, Lindsey, I wasn't sure since is a Mexican dish what you would use, but I'm sure those flavors blend in nicely.
Lindsey says
No problem, Cheryl! The chicken sausage just blends in with the chorizo and the chorizo flavor and chipotle take over. The chicken gives it some body and more protein without the fat of additional chorizo! 🙂
Cheryl says
I didn't see chorizo in the recipe - just ground chicken in addition to the sausage.
Lindsey says
Oh! I'm Sorry! I thought this was a comment on the Chipotle Chorizo Chicken Tacos! You're right! In any case the spicy sausage blends with the chipotles and other spices. 🙂 [I blame not enough coffee!]
Cheryl says
Now that I know about those, I need to try them as well...I make my own chorizo so I can control the fat content and seasoning, so I have some in the freezer now. Thanks!
Lindsey says
That sounds wonderful! I've never tried making it!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
Gorgeous pictures! I am always cold in the winter time, and I like to eat chili to warm me up. This one looks incredible!!
Lindsey says
Thanks, Thao! Chili is definitely my favorite warmer-uper too!
Miss Kim @ behgopa says
Good morning. Still feels like an hour ahead. No wonder I feel a bit more well rested...cuz I got an extra hour or zzzz
Looks so yummy. I love chili. It would be especially good right now since it's gotten cooler...almost cold (about time). Why cant it be like this all the time?! I love beans in mine too. I also sometimes like to add a little kick to it with jalapenos or Serrano.
Lindsey says
Doesn't it!?!? Of course you like to add a bit more kick. Of course. 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Whoa, this chili looks absolutely incredible !! Love me some beans in my chili too and with chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, cinnamon and maple syrup? Genius woman!
Lindsey says
Thanks, Kelly. What can I say? Sometimes it's just too hard to resist throwing it all in!
marcie says
Keep bringing these chili recipes -- love 'em! I love the sound of these flavors -- chipotle and maple sounds delicious! I add maple to everything else, so why not chili? Mmmm-mmmm good!
Lindsey says
For truth. Why not?! It doesn't taste like maple but it calms some of the heat.
David @ Spiced says
Hahaha...maple syrup! A girl after my own heart! Although, I must admit that I've never added maple syrup to chili. There is a first time for everything, though, right? And for the record, I was born in Texas. That makes me a Texan. So you do know a Texan. And I say you make chili however the heck you want to make chili. Just as long as you send me the leftovers.
Lindsey says
Phew thank goodness I didn't offend your Texan Highness! You should try it...all maple lovers should. Even my husband got over his initial reservation and he loved it! It doesn't really taste like maple. If only there were leftovers...
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
oh my goodness. I want your wings and this chili. I am 100% a beans in my chili kinda gal (and corn) and mashed sounds amazing! Plus, maple syrup and cinnamon - could you be more genius?! Plus, I want the fatty cornbread. #bringit
Lindsey says
LOL! Bring on the butter! Itssoogoood! I'll bring the wings and the chili and the fatty cornbread and you bring that oreo cheesecake. Sounds like a party to me!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
I like the maple syrup addition! I prefer beans in my chile too!
Lindsey says
Thanks, Laura!
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
This chili looks delicious Lindsey! I think putting mashed black beans in it is a brilliant idea - we love black beans and eat a ton of them around here. I also love the tip about chipotle peppers! I'm going to start doing that because I don't like to waste food either. Great idea!
Lindsey says
Booo to wasting! You probably just use the whole can of peppers! Heat lover!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
It's definitely 'chili' season in our house too...My hubby typically takes charge of the chili but I'm going to have to surprise him with this one. Looks and sounds delicious!
Lindsey says
You absolutely should, Annie! I don't mind making chili because it's super easy!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
I LOVE chipotle peppers and that is such a good tip to thrown them in a baggie in the freezer. This chili looks fantastic!! 🙂
Lindsey says
Thanks, Renee! Chipotle lovers unite!!!
Meaghan says
Finally! A person out in the Land of Blog who likes their chili like I do! Thick, spicy, and full of beans and bits of corn! My family prefers bean-less chili and I just think I'm eating bar-b-que'd hamburger with a spoon and some cheese! Can't wait to try this this winter! Pinning!
~Meaghan
Lindsey says
Haha! You are spot on! Beanless chili is the pits. It is just like bbq'd hamburger. Plus I feel like the beans push it over the edge of "healthy" so that I can eat more sour cream and cheese...hmmm that is probably not sound thinking. whatever. I hope you do try it!
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
Oh i love homemade chilli, this looks wonderful! Love chipotle too. Your photos are so good, makes this meal look so tempting!
Lindsey says
Thanks, Jessica!!! I've been really working on my photo editing skills and I think it has helped. 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This sounds stick-to-your-ribs delicious, and I love that you lightened it up! I'm super curious about your special ingredients too - totally need to try this. Pinned!
Lindsey says
Thanks, Rachel! I love me some chipotle and maple! I hope you do try it!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love finding new variations of chili, Lindsey! And I could never get sick of it, so keep 'em coming! This chipotle chicken version sounds mouthwatering! I love that you added maple syrup to this, too. Yum!
Lindsey says
It sounds like you love chili as much as me!
Josephine says
I made the quinoa roasted vegetable salad last night for dinner, and it was DELICIOUS!! Loved the recipe!! I will make this one a lot. The salad dressing was marvelous. Thank you!
Lindsey says
I am sooooo glad you liked it! I LOVE it! Especially the dressing. Now that Randy is back, I don't make it nearly as often because he doesn't like to eat the same thing every night for months on end...even if it is delicious. 🙂
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
I would never in a million years thought to add maple and cinnamon to chili to take down them fiery chipotle chilies in adobo sauce and other chilies! Brilliant lady! I preserve any extra chipotle chilies in adobo sauce - just like you do!!!! But I am way way less organized - for one, the bag isn't labelled and, two, I just hack off a frozen bit instead of soaking it in water - clearly I have lots to learn!
Lindsey says
Thanks, Shashi!! My husband initially turned up his nose at my desire to add maple syrup to the chili but ultimately he gave in. I tried hacking off some frozen chills but it was too hard so I just soak it for 5 minutes. I have to label my baggies and pyrex containers otherwise in 2 months I don't remember what is in them! Was that pasta sauce or plain diced tomatoes...hmmm...
Josephine says
This looks great! As soon as the weather gets cold, I will make it. Bring on those healthy recipes - I am down 5 pounds going to those darn Weight Watcher meetings. Thank you!
Lindsey says
Hooray for the 5 lbs! That's great! You know me...a little healthy, a little indulgence! It should be cooling off soon! So unseasonably warm!