The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

A delicious twist on classic chili! The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili brings the iconic spice and heat of Nashville-style hot chicken to your bowl. This recipe combines tender chicken with hearty beans and tomatoes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or cozy gatherings. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how packed with flavor it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: Enjoy the spicy kick of Nashville hot chicken combined with traditional chili ingredients.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, this chili can be ready in under an hour.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this dish is satisfying and nutritious.
• Comforting Dish: Warm up with a bowl of this comforting chili, ideal for chilly days or nights.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking large batches of chili evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables like onion and celery.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing ingredients fast and efficient.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent flavor every time.

Ingredients

To create The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Chili Base

• 2 lbs shredded cooked chicken breast
• 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium stalks celery, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

For Flavoring

• 2 Tbsp dill pickle brine
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar or Swerve brown
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt or to taste

For Sweetness

• 2 Tbsp honey or Pyure sugar-free honey

Optional Garnish

• sliced dill pickles
• nonfat plain Greek yogurt

How to Make The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and celery while shredding the cooked chicken if not already done.

Step 2: Cook the Base

In a large pot over medium heat:
1. Melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken breast, cannellini beans, pinto beans, petite diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and dill pickle brine to the pot:
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Reduce heat to low:
1. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with sliced dill pickles and a dollop of nonfat plain Greek yogurt on top if desired! Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Serving The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili is all about enhancing its bold flavors and providing delightful accompaniments. You can enjoy it in various ways that will elevate your dining experience and satisfy your taste buds.

With Cornbread

• Classic Pairing: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet and buttery contrast to the spicy chili.

Over Rice

• Filling Option: Ladle the chili over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the flavors and create a hearty meal.

In a Bread Bowl

• Fun Presentation: Hollow out a round sourdough loaf to create an edible bowl that adds a unique twist to your serving style.

Topped with Greek Yogurt

• Creamy Finish: Garnish each bowl with a dollop of nonfat plain Greek yogurt for a cooling effect against the heat.

With Sliced Dill Pickles

• Crunchy Accompaniment: Add sliced dill pickles on top for an extra crunch and tang that complements the chili’s spices.

How to Perfect The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Perfecting The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili involves paying attention to details that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure you get it just right:

• Bold Seasoning: Make sure to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to add more cayenne for extra heat!
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor profile.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the chili to simmer for longer than 30 minutes if time permits, as this helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different toppings like avocado slices or cilantro for added freshness and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili can enhance your meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cornbread Muffins: Soft, sweet muffins perfect for soaking up the chili.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy mix of cabbage and carrots that adds freshness and balances the spice.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that cools down the heat while adding richness.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies seasoned and roasted until caramelized bring extra flavor and nutrition.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a fun snack or appetizer option before digging into the chili.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs provides a mild base that complements the bold flavors of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in your chili. Here are some tips to ensure you create The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili.

• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting spices can lead to a bland dish. Always measure out your seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Using stale beans: Old beans can affect texture and taste. Check the expiration date on canned beans before using them.
• Not adjusting spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less cayenne pepper and gradually add more to suit your taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long may dry it out. Shred fully cooked chicken and add it towards the end for best results.
• Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes like sliced dill pickles or yogurt add extra flavor and texture. Don’t skip them; they elevate your dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for easy thawing.

Reheating The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, usually about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili.

How spicy is The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili?

The spiciness of this chili can be adjusted based on your preference by altering the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Can I make The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

You can substitute shredded turkey or beef if you prefer other meats. Both will work well with the chili’s flavors.

Can I customize The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or switch up the beans based on what you have available.

Final Thoughts

The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili offers a delicious twist on classic chili with its unique blend of spices and ingredients. Its versatility allows for many customization options, catering to individual preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!