The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

A delicious twist on classic chili! The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili combines the spicy kick of Nashville-style hot chicken with hearty traditional chili elements like beans and tomatoes. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or any gathering, this dish is sure to impress. With its bold flavors and comforting texture, you’re going to love every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spicy: The cayenne pepper and other spices deliver a satisfying heat that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this chili even on busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serving up to 10 people, it’s ideal for parties or family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a hearty bowl.
• Versatile Options: Customize it with your favorite toppings like dill pickles or Greek yogurt for an extra layer of flavor.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Tools and Preparation

To create The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This tool allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for stirring.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board ensures safety and cleanliness when chopping vegetables.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware, ensuring longevity of your pots.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Base

• 2 lbs shredded cooked chicken breast

For the Beans

• 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

For the Tomato Base

• 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes

For the Broth

• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium stalks celery, diced (about 2 cups)

For Flavoring

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp dill pickle brine
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For Spice Mix

• 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

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp salt or to taste

For Sweetness

• 2 Tbsp honey or Pyure sugar-free honey

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced dill pickles and nonfat plain Greek yogurt

How to Make The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse and drain the cannellini and pinto beans. Dice the onion and celery into small pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Sauté them until they are translucent—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

Add in the shredded chicken breast, rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, low sodium chicken broth, dill pickle brine, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, brown sugar/Swerve brown, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve

Once ready, taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes of sliced dill pickles and nonfat plain Greek yogurt if desired!

Enjoy your delightful bowl of The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili!

How to Serve The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Serving your Nashville Hot Chicken Chili can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this spicy delight.

Garnish with Toppings

• Sliced Dill Pickles: Add a crunchy, tangy element that complements the heat.
• Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: Use as a creamy topping to cool down the spice.

Pair with Bread

• Cornbread: A sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs perfectly with the chili’s spiciness.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of rustic bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.

Create a Chili Bar

• Toppings Station: Set up a mix of toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, and avocado for guests to customize their bowls.
• Different Spice Levels: Offer options like hot sauce or extra cayenne for those who want to turn up the heat.

How to Perfect The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

To ensure your chili is bursting with flavor and texture, consider these tips for perfection.

• Use Shredded Cooked Chicken: Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more flavors from the broth and spices.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go! You can easily increase or decrease cayenne pepper depending on your heat preference.
• Let It Simmer Longer: For richer flavors, let the chili simmer longer than 30 minutes if time allows.
• Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving for added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

Complementing your Nashville Hot Chicken Chili with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a lovely contrast to the spicy chili. It’s easy to make and perfect for soaking up flavors.
2. Rice: Serve over white or brown rice for a hearty base that balances out the spice.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a refreshing coolness that pairs well with the heat of the chili.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and acidity that complements the richness of the chili.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing can cleanse your palate between bites of spicy chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Baked potatoes are great vessels for chili, providing a soft and comforting addition to each bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your chili turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season can result in bland chili. Always taste and adjust the spices before serving.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use shredded cooked chicken breast for a juicy texture.
• Ignoring bean variety: Using the wrong beans can alter flavor and texture. Stick to cannellini and pinto beans for balance.
• Not letting it simmer: Rushing the cooking process may not allow flavors to meld. Let your chili simmer for at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Underestimating spice levels: If you’re unsure about spice, start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste. This prevents overwhelming heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

• item Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
• item Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• item It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring halfway through. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• item Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through, usually around 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili unique?

This chili combines the spicy essence of Nashville-style hot chicken with traditional chili ingredients, creating a delicious twist.

How spicy is The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili?

The spiciness depends on your use of cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

Can I customize The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to cook The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, while cannellini and pinto beans work best, you can experiment with other beans like black beans or kidney beans for varied texture.

Final Thoughts

The Best Nashville Hot Chicken Chili is a flavorful and unique dish that brings together the warmth of traditional chili with spicy flair. It’s versatile enough for customization based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easily it comes together and how delicious it tastes!