Proof you don’t need beef for a great chili.

Chili is a classic game day comfort food usually made with ground beef – but this Lean Mean Game Day Chili proves you don’t need beef to make a bold, satisfying bowl of chili. Made with ground chicken, this lean chili recipe delivers all the cozy, slow-simmered flavour you expect, just with a lighter twist.

The secret to a great lean chili is building flavour and letting everything simmer until the flavour fully develops. Ground chicken absorbs seasoning beautifully, giving you a chili that’s rich, savory, and completely satisfying. Serve it without mentioning the swap – chances are no one will notice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground chicken keeps this chili lighter while still delivering classic chili texture.
Big, bold flavour thanks to a well-built spice base that ensure this chili tastes bold and deeply seasoned.
An easy recipe that feeds a crowd – perfect for game day.
Great for meal prep, because it tastes even better the next day.

Lean Mean Game Day Chili

thekitchenduchess

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

2 tablespoons oil
2 lbs. ground chicken (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk celery, chopped
½ cup green pepper, chopped
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (19 oz./540 mL)
1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19 oz./540 mL)
1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel brand)
1 ½ jars plain strained tomato sauce (passata) (about 3½ cups)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups water
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, celery and green peppers and sauté until softened – about 3 minutes.
Add ground chicken and break it up using a wooden spoon. Sauté until meat is browned and fully cooked.
Add tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
Add pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato chunks, tomato sauce, water, brown sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until combined. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring regularly.
Serve warm. Enjoy with hot sauce, sour cream, grated cheddar, tortilla chips for dipping or breadsticks.

Notes

Serve it with:

tortilla chips for scooping
with baked potatoes
topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onion, jalapenos – the list goes on and on
alongside breadsticks, garlic bread or cornbread

Keyword chili, game day, stew

Whether you’re cooking for game day, meal prepping of the week, or just craving a hearty dinner, this chili checks every box. It’s cozy, bold, and satisfying, with all the comfort of classic chili and a lighter feel you’ll love.

Soups & Stews