Are you ready to indulge in a hearty, flavorful dish that won't derail your keto diet? Look no further than this Keto Chicken Chili with Butternut Squash! Bursting with vibrant spices and the subtle sweetness of butternut squash, this chili is the perfect blend of nutrition and taste. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that serves four, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Get ready to savor every spoonful and discover why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup butternut squash, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the butternut squash into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and break it apart using a wooden spoon, cooking until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess liquid from the chicken to prevent the chili from becoming watery.
- Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper directly to the browned chicken, stirring to coat the meat evenly with the spices and allow them to toast for about 30 seconds, which will enhance their flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the pot, ensuring the pieces are distributed evenly throughout the chili.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with low-carb toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Uniform Dicing: Ensure that your butternut squash is diced into 1/2 inch cubes for even cooking. This will help maintain a consistent texture throughout the chili.
- Browning the Chicken: When cooking the ground chicken, make sure to break it apart thoroughly. Browning it well adds depth of flavor to the chili.
- Spice Toasting: Don't skip the step of toasting the spices in the pan! This quick 30-second process enhances their flavors, making your chili even more aromatic and delicious.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Conversely, if it’s too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth.
- Flavor Enhancements: After simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of extra salt or a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavors to your liking.
- Resting Time: Letting the chili sit for 5 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
- Garnishing: Elevate your chili presentation with low-carb toppings like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese for added richness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
