This Clean Eating Chicken Chili is absolutely delicious! I’ve made it twice since I originally posted, and it’s only been three weeks. I know it’s hard to find healthy ground chicken recipes that aren’t boring, but trust me when I say that this recipe does NOT disappoint. You are going to LOVE this healthy chili recipe (and the secret ingredient).
Healthy Chicken Chili Recipe
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I make a lot of chili, it’s my go to for batch cooking for healthy lunches and freezer dinners.
I’m prepping and testing out recipes for the Whole30 challenge I’ll be taking part of in January (after my Disney trip, of course – because come on, let’s be real) and this Clean Eating chicken chili is winner winner chicken dinner.
Friends coming from Pinterest: Ah! I totally forgot that beans and corn are not Whole30! So I thought, maybe Paleo? However, a lot of people don’t believe beans are so it’s now Clean Eating Chicken Chili. This post has now been updated to reflect that.
I apologized, I totally missed that. However, you can make it a Whole30 chili by forgoing the beans and corn.
Repeat: This is not Whole30 Compliant.
Want more proof I love chili? My dog’s name is Chilli, but truth be told my husband and I were going in between Chester and Billy, so we combined the two.
But let’s just pretend it’s because I love food.
My cat’s name is Carl, is it because I love The Walking Dead?
There is a secret ingredient in this clean eating chicken chili recipe, and it’s an odd one.
I used applesauce, I know right?
I was tasting the chili and thought it needed a little sweetness, and being that I was practicing a Whole30 recipe, I didn’t want to use Molasses (like in the Super Lean Chili recipe) or sugar.
I knew I had to get creative, and that’s when I saw the applesauce sitting in my fridge. It worked really well, just use the unsweetened variety to make it Whole30 and Paleo approved. Again,If you want this whole recipe to be compliant with Whole30 and Paleo – no corn or beans.
TBK’s Pro Tip: I use a ceramic pot (the one I have is a discontinued KitchenAid but this Lodge ceramic pot looks good) when I cook up this chili. It makes for an easy cleanup!
Psst –> Meal planning can be a drag, so I put together The Lazy Girls’ Eat Healthy Guide to 7 Days of Dinners. It’s a free eBook for you to download! Click here to access it. Or you can sign up for the Healthified Meal Plan service! Have a healthy meal plan delivered to your inbox every Friday for only $8.99/month!
Is Chili Healthy?
Yes! Whether it’s turkey chili, beef chili, or chicken chili, yes chili is healthy.
It’s full of fiber (thanks to the veggies and beans), proteins, and vegetables!
The high protein content, paired with the vegetables and fiber, keep you satiated (which means fuller for longer).
So eat up!
Chicken Chili Ingredients
Looking for what goes in chicken chili before you meal plan? Here’s a quick list:
To show you how easy it is to whip up this chicken chili recipe, make sure to watch the quick video below.
TBK’s Pro Tip: Save some money and instead of store bought applesauce why not try this healthy homemade applesauce recipe? It seriously takes less than a minute to prepare. All you need are apples, lemon juice, a pot, and a vegetable steamer.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once that is heated add the ground chicken and scramble fry until it’s cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.
Cover the pot and bring it down to a simmer for 50 minutes. Check on it at the 30 minute mark to give it a good stir.
Yeah by far not whole 30. Looks very yummy but if you’re doing whole 30 not compliant. Also cant do applesauce. I imagine it has sugar and u also are not supposed to change things up to make it sweet. Whole 30 is more about eating healthy. It is also about getting rid of cravings. So can’t alter food to make it into something u have taken out and should not. A lot of rules with whole 30. There is a great Facebook site and the creators have some books.
Hey Jen. I totally caught my mistake earlier and noted it in the post that it is note Whole 30 compliant. I am changing the images soon, I just need to find the darn time lol.
The apple sauce is compliant as it is simply just apples 🙂 But thank you for pointing it out 🙂
I didn’t realize black beans were a no go, I have the book now. I am going to start it Jan 9th to reset the body and see if I can figure out what foods trigger my allergies 🙂
This was fantastic! I was making my chicken stock and needed a healthy recipe to use the left over chicken. The spices were perfect. Not too hot for my young kids. Keeping this recipe!
Thank you so much for letting me know Ashley! I love comments like this. I have a little one who if I have any spice – he won’t even pretend to eat it, so I try to be careful 🙂
First: Chili is adorable!!
Second: Applesauce? in your Chilli. First I heard of such a thing … but I agree with using it as your sugar substitute.
I add to my vegetarian chilli sliced bamboo shoots to give that chew meat lovers miss. Well that was my idea. I do agree it works in the chilli though. You just gotta try something once to see if it works is how I like to cook 🙂
It would be similar to the chili in one of the 21 day fix books. 1 green container full = 1 red, 1 yellow, and I think 1/2 purple (If I remember correctly).
From what I found on the Whole 30 site, beans are now allowed. The shopping list I found on Whole 30 website that says all vegetables are allowed except for corn, peas and lima beans. http://whole30.com/downloads/book-shopping-list.pdf
I just used the standard sizes that are available here in Canada. I’m travelling right now, so I can’t look but the tomato paste would be the smaller can (I think there is only 1/4 cup in there) and the beans would be roughly 14oz.
Just made this tonight. I slightly eyeballed the seasoning and used rotel fire roasted diced tomato and jalapeño … but you are right on with these flavors. Absolutely delicious! I can see why you’ve made it so many times already!
No matter what kind of “diet” term actually fits this chili, I think it looks so delicious! Thank you for linking up your recipe at the #HomeMattersParty this week.
Paste would be the little can I believe there is roughly 1/4 cup in it. Fire roasted is 14oz, if you’re in the US I’m not sure what that works out to be, it’s the standard size I see at the grocery store).
I just made this and it’s delicious!! I kept out the corn but used everything else from the recipe and love it. The spices are spot on and even my 7 year old liked it. Thanks for posting it!
Thanks for the recipe! Applesauce is an interesting choice, excited to try it! I’ve always used mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash to give my chili’s a creamy touch of sweetness.
Great recipe and so easy to make! I didn’t have apple sauce and just threw in some diced apples and it’s tasted awesome! Thank you, adding this to my weekly rotation!
This is good however I ended up changing a few things. One I used fresh tomatoes, and zucchini. I didn’t have any chicken broth so I used a 12oz jar of chicken gravy and also filled the same jar up with water. Not as healthy but boy it was good!
Glad to see somone has used applesauce in their chili. I have a pumpkin chili recipe I’m supposed to try, but only have half a can of pumpkin. Thinking of using applesauce to substitute the other “half” of a can. They’re both fruit purees, right? (Although i guess pumpkin is technically a vegg.)
How do you think this would hold up as a crock pot recipe? I’m super big on putting stuff in and then coming back home to dinner lol.
This looks amazing and I will definitely be trying it soon! Thanks!
This is the best chili if you want to eat a little lighter rather than the traditional chili with all the beef, definate make again and going to share with my family.
Hello! I’ve made this recipe multiple times and LOVE it! It’s always a hit, and a quick easy meal that doesn’t taste like it!
Have you ever tried freezing? Wondering how it would hold up. Thanks!
Hi! I just tried this recipe on Monday and it turned out great! I just moved out of my parents home and slowly trying to get some cooking skills. This was super easy and I actually made it using our slow cooker as I didn’t need it until the next day. I cooked the chicken as per your instructions then just put the chicken with everything else into the slow cooker and cooked on high for 4 hours! Delicious and was also approved by my fiance! Will be a regular dinner in our home 🙂
Neither corn nor beans are whole 30 compliant.
Whoops! You’re right. Thank you
How can this be Whole 30 with black beans as beans are a no no on the Whole 30 program.
Hey Susan,
I totally missed that and updated the post a few days ago – I just have to fix the images. Sorry about that, I spaced.
This is so good, I will try to make it. Time to clear the cans and bags of beans in the pantry!
Enjoy Calvin!
Yeah by far not whole 30. Looks very yummy but if you’re doing whole 30 not compliant. Also cant do applesauce. I imagine it has sugar and u also are not supposed to change things up to make it sweet. Whole 30 is more about eating healthy. It is also about getting rid of cravings. So can’t alter food to make it into something u have taken out and should not. A lot of rules with whole 30. There is a great Facebook site and the creators have some books.
Hey Jen. I totally caught my mistake earlier and noted it in the post that it is note Whole 30 compliant. I am changing the images soon, I just need to find the darn time lol.
The apple sauce is compliant as it is simply just apples 🙂 But thank you for pointing it out 🙂
I didn’t realize black beans were a no go, I have the book now. I am going to start it Jan 9th to reset the body and see if I can figure out what foods trigger my allergies 🙂
This was fantastic! I was making my chicken stock and needed a healthy recipe to use the left over chicken. The spices were perfect. Not too hot for my young kids. Keeping this recipe!
Thank you so much for letting me know Ashley! I love comments like this. I have a little one who if I have any spice – he won’t even pretend to eat it, so I try to be careful 🙂
Just looking t the picture has me drooling and then I read the ingredients, I’ll be making this tomorrow or supper. Thanks for the recipe.
Let me know how you like it Debbie!
If you add Diced carrots and zucchini it will add some substance in lieu of corn and beans.
Great tip! Thank you!
First: Chili is adorable!!
Second: Applesauce? in your Chilli. First I heard of such a thing … but I agree with using it as your sugar substitute.
I add to my vegetarian chilli sliced bamboo shoots to give that chew meat lovers miss. Well that was my idea. I do agree it works in the chilli though. You just gotta try something once to see if it works is how I like to cook 🙂
I do the same thing! I’ve had some great success and a lot of mistakes 😉 hahaha
This sounds delicious! I love making chili and your healthy version sounds like a winner!
21 Day Fix Approved, but how many containers of which containers for a portion?
It would be similar to the chili in one of the 21 day fix books. 1 green container full = 1 red, 1 yellow, and I think 1/2 purple (If I remember correctly).
Looks delicious! I don’t like ground chicken, but will use shredded chicken instead. Thanks!
From what I found on the Whole 30 site, beans are now allowed. The shopping list I found on Whole 30 website that says all vegetables are allowed except for corn, peas and lima beans. http://whole30.com/downloads/book-shopping-list.pdf
Hmmm…very interesting! Thank you for sharing Nova!
Nova- Beans are still not Whole30 compliant! They also are not vegetables…they are legumes! Just wanted to clarify in case you are doing Whole30. ☺️
Thank you for the clarification!
Hello, what size cans are to be used for the beans and tomato paste?
Hi Sedrick,
I just used the standard sizes that are available here in Canada. I’m travelling right now, so I can’t look but the tomato paste would be the smaller can (I think there is only 1/4 cup in there) and the beans would be roughly 14oz.
Made this for dinner tonite and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you 🙂
Hi Heather, I’m so happy you liked it! 🙂
Just made this tonight. I slightly eyeballed the seasoning and used rotel fire roasted diced tomato and jalapeño … but you are right on with these flavors. Absolutely delicious! I can see why you’ve made it so many times already!
We don’t have rotel in Canada (at least in my part of Canada), but I am going to add some jarred jalapenos next time 🙂 I’m glad you like it!
No matter what kind of “diet” term actually fits this chili, I think it looks so delicious! Thank you for linking up your recipe at the #HomeMattersParty this week.
Can you tell me what size can? For both tomatoe paste and tomatoes there are several different sizes to choose from.
Paste would be the little can I believe there is roughly 1/4 cup in it. Fire roasted is 14oz, if you’re in the US I’m not sure what that works out to be, it’s the standard size I see at the grocery store).
I just made this and it’s delicious!! I kept out the corn but used everything else from the recipe and love it. The spices are spot on and even my 7 year old liked it. Thanks for posting it!
That’s great news Kaacey! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the recipe! Applesauce is an interesting choice, excited to try it! I’ve always used mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash to give my chili’s a creamy touch of sweetness.
I have never had butternut squash before, but i like that idea! I’ll have to try it.
Could I make this in the crockpot with chicken?
I made this for dinner tonight. Great flavor! FYI for those on the new WW program it is 5 points per cup. My husband was thrilled with his fact.
Hey Jamie!
Thanks for letting me know! I’m so glad you liked it and that your hubby can have it with WW!
Great recipe and so easy to make! I didn’t have apple sauce and just threw in some diced apples and it’s tasted awesome! Thank you, adding this to my weekly rotation!
Yum! I’m glad you made it work for you!
This is good however I ended up changing a few things. One I used fresh tomatoes, and zucchini. I didn’t have any chicken broth so I used a 12oz jar of chicken gravy and also filled the same jar up with water. Not as healthy but boy it was good!
Do you drain the beans and tomatoes? Before dumping them in?
Drain the beans, but I leave the tomatoes.
Glad to see somone has used applesauce in their chili. I have a pumpkin chili recipe I’m supposed to try, but only have half a can of pumpkin. Thinking of using applesauce to substitute the other “half” of a can. They’re both fruit purees, right? (Although i guess pumpkin is technically a vegg.)
That will totally work Margaret 🙂 Happy cooking!
Do you drain the black beans and the diced tomatoes?
Making this tonight.
Thanks!
I drained and rinsed the beans…but leave the juice in the diced tomatoes.
How do you think this would hold up as a crock pot recipe? I’m super big on putting stuff in and then coming back home to dinner lol.
This looks amazing and I will definitely be trying it soon! Thanks!
Hey Darci! I think this would work great! Anything goes good in a Crock Pot 😉
This looks yummy but it is a bit misleading the beans and corn are not whole30 compliant.
Hey Kathy! Yes, I messed up that’s why I put that it’s not Whole30 compliant at the top of the recipe to clarify 🙂
This is the best chili if you want to eat a little lighter rather than the traditional chili with all the beef, definate make again and going to share with my family.
Yay! I’m so glad you like it Cheri 🙂 Thank you for the feedback.
Oh my goodness! I made this tonight and absolutely love it…so does my husband! Thank you for such an awesome recipe. Taking leftovers for lunch! 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you like it 😀
Hello! I’ve made this recipe multiple times and LOVE it! It’s always a hit, and a quick easy meal that doesn’t taste like it!
Have you ever tried freezing? Wondering how it would hold up. Thanks!
Hi Kari,
I have no frozen this particular recipe but I do freeze chili often 🙂 So give it a try!
Hi! I just tried this recipe on Monday and it turned out great! I just moved out of my parents home and slowly trying to get some cooking skills. This was super easy and I actually made it using our slow cooker as I didn’t need it until the next day. I cooked the chicken as per your instructions then just put the chicken with everything else into the slow cooker and cooked on high for 4 hours! Delicious and was also approved by my fiance! Will be a regular dinner in our home 🙂
Thanks so much for leaving your feedback Kristen! I LOVE hearing successes like this 🙂 Happy cooking and exploring new recipes 😀
Would it count as a green container too for 21 day fix? Or just a red,yellow, and half a purple? Thank you!
I wouldn’t count it as a green, but if you want an extra green add some spinach or broccoli!
Why is there a purple container but no green container?
Beans and corn are not whole30
Used shredded chicken thigh meat and habanero Rotel. Fantastic! Wonderful recipe. Thanks!
I added Rogelio tomatoes and smoked paprika! Fantastic
*Rotel