The Best Stovetop Chili Recipe {20 Minutes}

Chili soup is an easy chili recipe that is prepared on the stove. It has only 4 ingredients plus water and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

I use ground chicken, but you can prepare the recipe with ground beef, ground chuck, ground turkey or sausage.

For Vegetarian Chili use potato cubes or squash cubes in place of ground meat. Using kidney beans adds protein, fiber, and healthy B vitamins, and the tomatoes are full of antioxidants.

Who knew a simple chili recipe could be so delicious and easy as well as healthy and comforting on those cold days and nights!

Why is it called Chili Soup?

Chili soup has lots of liquid broth that is very soothing and delicious. It is comfort food that warms you up on a cold night.

Traditional chili recipes often have less liquid and result in a thicker stew texture.

This recipe is simple to prepare on the stove with easy ingredients.

For a delicious dinner serve chili soup with our corn casserole recipe without butter. For dessert try our key lime cake for a delicious ending to dinner!

How to Make Chili

First, brown 1 pound of extra lean ground chicken or organic ground chicken in a skillet or large pot on medium heat. 

Because it is so lean using a non-stick skillet works great or add a little olive oil to the skillet.  It takes about seven minutes on the stovetop to cook.

Next I like to rinse and drain the cooked chicken by placing it in a colander in the sink and running hot water over it.

From there I transfer it to a large boiler or Dutch oven on the stove. 

Add 1 package of French’s Original Chili-O mix, one 15oz. undrained can of red kidney beans, one 14.5oz. can of undrained diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. 

Finally, stir and heat on mediuim-high heat for 10 minutes. 

Continue to stir every few minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan. 

If you are not ready to eat immediately, let it simmer on low stirring occasionally or remove from heat and cover.  

Alternately you can add a little extra water before cooking if you like your chili soup thin, or you can add 1 or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to 1/2 cup hot water (mix well with a little whisk or fork to keep out the lumps) if you like the juice thicker.

Favorite Chili Toppings

For variety try some favorite topping for chili that include:

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Saltine Crackers
• Oyster Crackers
• Diced Avacado
• Frito Lay Corn Chips
• Tostito Corn Chips

What to Serve with Chili for Dinner?

Pair some of my favorite side dishes for chili such as:

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Peanut Butter Sandwich
• Pimento Cheese Sandwich
• Homemade Cornbread
• Corn Casserole

Can I Freeze This Chili Recipe?

Chili refrigerates well and is also easy to freeze. Be sure to check out our article How Long is Food Good For in the Fridge?

Begin by cooling chili completely then placing in a freezer safe dish or storage bag.

It will keeps well for 3 months in the freezer. To reheat place frozen or thawed chili in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

What Types of Meat to Use for Chili?

These meats work well in this simple chili recipe or omit the meat and have bean chili with black beans or pinto beans.

• Ground Chicken
• Extra Lean Ground Chicken
• Organic Ground Chicken
• Ground Turkey
• Ground Beef
• Extra Lean Ground Beef
• Ground Chuck
• Various Grades of Ground Beef or Chicken

Storage and Reheating

Chili soup is perfect for leftovers, and it actually tastes better the next day! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Let the chili cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Chili freezes well! Pour it into a safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, you can warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in a safe container, heating for 1-2 minutes at a time until hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Chili Recipe

Here are some pro tips to help you make the best homemade chili recipe:

• Simple Homemade Blend of Chili Seasonings: If you want a unique flavor, create your own blend of spices using chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
• Adjust Consistency: If your chili is too thick, add a little more beef broth or tomato juice to reach your desired consistency and stir with a wooden spoon..
• Cook Low and Slow: For deeper flavors, let your chili simmer longer. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your chili before serving. Adjust seasoning, add more spices, or a splash of hot sauce based on your preference.
• Use Leftover Chili: If you have leftover chili, use it as a filling for burritos or as a topping for baked potatoes!

Conclusion

Chili soup is the best classic chili recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a game day, a cozy night at home with the whole family or a gathering with friends for a crowd pleaser.

With simple ingredients and easy cooking methods it’s a perfect meal with a depth of flavor that can’t be beat.

You can whip up a pot of hot chili that everyone will love for a weeknight meal in those colder months.

A great option is my favorite way – serve it with tortilla chips instead of crackers.

Customize it to fit your family’s tastes, and don’t forget the toppings!

Enjoy this comforting classic, and you’ll find it becoming a regular part of your weeknight meals. Happy cooking!

Other Simple Recipes to Try

Try some of our favorite recipes:  Chicken Rot-el or a delicious  Meatball Marinara Sub!

See this recipe for Chili Soup on  Christy Jordan’s Meal Plan Monday at Southern Plate.