Smoky Chicken Chili

I am in “Hurry-Mode” today, so this post is going to be quick and to the point as I have to scoot out of here in just a few minutes… but not before I steal a moment share this recipe with you.  Although it’s fast, it has a lovely complex layer of smoky flavors.  The smoke hits you first, then the sweet of the tomatoes, then the richness of the chicken and beans and it finishes with a nice little kick of heat from the chili flake.  Quick, healthy, cheap, delicious comfort food folks!

I had to make a quick hot dish today and well it sort of slipped my mind.  So I started looking in the fridge and around the pantry to see what i had just laying around that I could throw together in less than 30 minutes.  Now before you scoff at me for using canned beans and tomato sauce… this is a QUICK meal here and well sometimes a shortcut here and there isn’t all bad.  (Besides it’s not like I’m throwing aerosol cheese in a can into the recipe… I’m looking at you Sandra Lee) This is something you can throw together on the stovetop, finish up getting things done and have it ready to serve in half an hour.  It’s gunna taste like something that has been stewing and melding all day long.  Perfect for those days when you are just too busy to be bothered.  This recipe was birthed from grab some of this and some of that and do it as fast as I can.

Smoky Chicken Chili

• 1 cup Onion, diced
• 1/2 cup Red Pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Roasted Piquillo Peppers, chopped (can sub roasted peppers)
• 2 cups Grape tomatoes (or Cherry tomatoes cut in half)
• 1 cup  Smoked Chicken, diced (can sub smoked Turkey)
• 1 15.5 oz. can of Black Beans, low sodium
• 1 15.5 oz. can of Tomato Sauce
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Crushed Garlic
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/8 Teaspoon Red Chili Flake (add more if you want it spicy)

Get your large skillet or Dutch Oven type pan out, set the heat to Medium High on the stove top.  Put the Olive Oil, Garlic and Onions into the pan and quickly sweat the aromatics.  Add in all the rest of the ingredients, give it a good stir and let it simmer on Medium heat making sure to stir it every now and again.  You could certainly turn it to low for a longer simmer if you are not in a hurry.  Add some fresh parsley for garnish, if you like.

That’s it.  Crazy fast & easy!  It’s also good cheap eats!
Enjoy!