This Easy Tomato Basil Chicken Chili is a simple, hearty, one-pot meal made with tender chicken, pinto beans, sweet corn, and bold spices simmered in a rich tomato-basil sauce. It’s the perfect 30-minute chicken chili recipe for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, healthy, and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chili Recipe
- Simple, wholesome ingredients
- Quick and easy preparation
- Fresh tomato-basil flavor
- High-protein and hearty
- Made completely in one pot
- Minimal cleanup
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Chicken Chili
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 30 oz canned whole tomatoes with basil
- 25 oz tomato sauce
- 2 (14 oz) cans pinto beans, drained
- 1 (14 oz) can corn, drained
- 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 tsp chili powder
- Kosher salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Topping: grated Parmesan
How to Make Easy Tomato Basil Chicken Chili
Step 1 — Cook the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic.
Step 2 — Build the Chili Base
Add chicken, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, and spices. Stir well.
Step 3 — Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
Step 4 — Finish
Lightly mash tomatoes with a fork or masher, keeping beans intact. Season and serve.
Vegetarian & Vegan Chili Option
Easily adapt this recipe by:
- Omitting chicken
- Adding black beans
- Increasing vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, carrots, peppers)
Tomato Basil Chicken Chili
Can I put raw chicken in my chili?
This recipe uses pre-cooked chicken because the chili cooks quickly. If using raw chicken, it will require longer simmer time to reach doneness.
Can I use tomato sauce in chili?
Yes! Tomato sauce adds thickness and creates a smooth, rich chili base.
Can I make chicken chili ahead of time?
Yes. The flavor improves the next day. Store covered in the refrigerator.
How long does chicken chili last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Can I freeze chicken chili?
Yes. Freeze up to 2 months in airtight containers.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or extra chili powder to increase heat.
What should I serve with chicken chili?
Cornbread, tortilla chips, rice, garlic bread, or a green salad pair well.
If you love this recipe, try this White Chicken Chili
Easy Tomato Basil Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 30 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes with basil
- 25 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 14 oz cans pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 1 14 oz can corn rinsed and drained
- 2 tsp fresh basil chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried cumin powder
- 3 tsp chili powder more or less depending on taste
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large soup or stock pot and warm over low-medium heat
- Add chopped onion and peppers and cook until just soft, then stir in garlic
- Add chicken, tomatoes, sauce, beans, corn and seasoning and stir together
- Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat and simmer on medium low for 15-20 minutes
- Remove from stovetop and use a potato masher or fork to gently mashed the whole tomatoes into smaller pieces without mashing the beans.
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