This post is proudly sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market, with special support from Simply Organic. As always, all opinions and the delicious recipe shared are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make 40 Aprons possible!

Experience Unforgettable Flavor: The Ultimate Whole30 Chicken Tikka Masala Chili

Prepare to have your culinary dreams come true with this exceptional Chicken Tikka Masala Chili. This isn’t just any chili; it’s a Whole30 compliant masterpiece, boasting a profoundly rich and creamy tomato sauce, meticulously built upon layers of beautifully caramelized onions, fragrant garlic, and vibrant chiles. Loaded with tender ground chicken and wholesome vegetables, this chili takes its inspiration from my deeply beloved classic chicken tikka masala recipe. As the autumn chill sets in, this Chicken Tikka Masala Chili emerges as an absolute must-make, destined to become your new favorite Whole30 chili and a staple in your fall cooking repertoire. Don’t forget to show your support and vote for it as the coolest chili ever in the Simply Organic #ChooseMyChili challenge!

Why I’m Obsessed with Chicken Tikka Masala (and Why You Will Be Too)

If left entirely to my own devices, I truly believe everything in life would be infused with the incredible flavors of chicken tikka masala. Imagine the possibilities! Breakfast could be a revelation of chicken tikka masala-inspired scrambled eggs. My lunchbox might reveal a vibrant chicken tikka masala chicken salad – now that’s an idea with serious potential, wouldn’t you agree? For dinner, of course, nothing less than my absolute favorite restaurant-style chicken tikka masala, perhaps even with a side dish that echoes its profound flavors. While I draw the line at chicken tikka masala brownies for dessert (even I have my limits!), the sheer adoration for this dish is undeniable.

There’s something inherently captivating about chicken tikka masala. Its rich, velvety tomato sauce, perfectly balanced with a symphony of aromatic spices, envelops tender pieces of chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and exhilarating. I’ve always had an inconvenient aversion to leftovers – a habit I’ve carried since childhood. Yet, chicken tikka masala is the sole exception. Its leftovers are a treasure, often barely surviving the morning after their initial creation, eagerly scooped from a humble container and paired with a piece of cold, resilient peshawari naan. This unique ability to transcend my leftover phobia speaks volumes about its irresistible appeal.

Bridging Culinary Worlds: The Genesis of Chicken Tikka Masala Chili

Given my profound love for chicken tikka masala, the idea of transforming it into a hearty chili felt like an inevitable, brilliant stroke of inspiration. This creative spark perfectly coincided with an exciting contest I’m participating in, which means you, dear reader, are officially on #TeamCheryl! Two of my favorite culinary partners, Simply Organic and Sprouts Farmers Market, have joined forces to discover the coolest chili imaginable. And what could be cooler, more innovative, or more tantalizing than a Chicken Tikka Masala Chili? It certainly redefines what chili can be, especially with its delightful warmth and a hint of spice that truly makes it sing. It’s that good kind of hurt, the kind that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality You Can Taste

The Heart of the Chili: Premium Ground Chicken

When developing this recipe, I deliberated over various meats, briefly considering lamb. However, I ultimately chose ground chicken for its widespread availability, its appeal to families, and its versatility in embracing the distinct flavors of chicken tikka masala. Crucially, I couldn’t bring myself to introduce beef into an Indian-inspired dish, aiming for a flavor profile that truly honors its roots. The chicken from Sprouts Farmers Market is a true standout, elevating this chili to another level. Sprouts Butcher Shop is committed to quality, exclusively offering Grade A chickens that are hatched, raised, and harvested right here in the U.S. Their expert butchers hand-trim and package a diverse selection of cuts fresh, in-store, every single day. They even patiently answer a barrage of questions from inquisitive paleo bloggers who happen to live down the street (like me!). Sprouts’ chicken is consistently fresh, never frozen, and contains absolutely no enhancers, solutions, chemicals, or artificial ingredients. This commitment to purity and quality makes healthier eating both accessible and affordable for my family – and yours too (unless you’re Elon Musk, in which case, hello! I’ll take a white Model X, please).

A Symphony of Spices: The Simply Organic Difference

The soul of any Indian-inspired dish lies in its spices, and Simply Organic’s offerings are unparalleled in their freshness and superior quality. Their Garam Masala and Ancho Chili Powder are absolutely essential to achieving the authentic, complex flavors in this Chicken Tikka Masala Chili. I am continually impressed by Simply Organic’s extensive selection and the consistent excellence of their products. Investing in a couple of bottles of these premium spices is not just recommended, it’s a necessity for this recipe’s success. These aren’t just spices; they are flavor foundations that transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

The rest of the process is delightfully straightforward. I’ve adapted my highly popular restaurant-style chicken tikka masala recipe as the robust base, then enhanced it with a thoughtful selection of vegetables to add bulk, texture, and that comforting “chili” sensation. The result is an incredibly rich and exquisitely spiced sauce, brimming with tender ground chicken, sweet bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms. This chili is an absolute revelation for cooler weather, providing a warmth and depth of flavor that is truly unparalleled. And, dare I say it? This is one of those rare dishes where the flavor only deepens and improves with time, making it perfect for… leftovers!

The Aromatic Foundation: Caramelizing Onions, Garlic, and Ginger

The secret to an exceptionally flavorful chili lies in building a strong aromatic base. This recipe begins with caramelizing diced white onions until they are soft and translucent, gradually developing a sweet depth. Following this, minced serrano chiles, garlic, and fresh ginger are introduced, cooked slowly until they transform into a beautiful toffee color. This step, though requiring patience, is absolutely crucial for unlocking the profound flavors that define the chili’s character. A few drops of water can be added if needed to prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect, flavorful paste.

Building the Rich, Creamy Sauce

Once the aromatic base is perfected, the Simply Organic garam masala, ancho chili powder, and paprika are stirred in, cooked briefly until their fragrances intensely permeate the air. This spiced mixture then forms the core of our creamy tomato sauce. The tomato sauce is added to the pot and then, for an incredibly smooth and cohesive chili, the entire mixture is transferred to a blender or food processor and pureed until silky. This step ensures that every spoonful of chili offers a consistent, luxurious texture that coats the palate beautifully.

Adding Heartiness and Bringing It All Together

The smooth sauce is returned to the pot, where sliced green and red bell peppers, fresh mushrooms, a cinnamon stick, and optional but recommended dried fenugreek leaves are added. These vegetables simmer gently, infusing the sauce with their flavors and softening to tender perfection. The mixture will thicken considerably, developing a paste-like consistency, before gradually becoming more sauce-like as the vegetables release their moisture. The chili is ready when it achieves a rich, thick, and flavorful paste consistency once more. Finally, creamy coconut cream is stirred in until the chili is luxuriously smooth, followed by a bright squeeze of lemon juice and the perfectly browned ground chicken. A final seasoning with sea salt ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced.

5 from 3 votes

Chicken Tikka Masala Chili

Prep 10 minutes

Cook 1 hour 10 minutes

Total 1 hour 20 minutes

This chicken tikka masala chili is the stuff your dreams are made of. This Whole30 chili has a rich and creamy tomato sauce, with beautiful caramelized onions, garlic, and chiles, loaded with tender ground chicken and veggies. Inspired by my beloved chicken tikka masala recipe, this chicken tikka masala chili is a must make for fall! It’ll surely become your favorite Whole30 chili, too.

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6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 5 tablespoons refined coconut oil or ghee
• 2 medium white onion, diced
• 3 serrano chiles, stemmed and minced (seeds removed if you prefer a milder chili)
• 7 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons Simply Organic Garam Masala
• 2 tablespoons Simply Organic ancho chili powder
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Simply Organic paprika
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, deseeded, halved width-wise and sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, deseeded, halved width-wise and sliced into strips
• 16 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 4 dried fenugreek leaves (optional but recommended for authentic flavor)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Plenty of sea salt, to taste
• 2 (14-ounce) cans coconut cream
• Basmati or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)
• Naan for serving (optional)
• Fresh chopped cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and brown it thoroughly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it’s completely cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the ground chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
2. Return the pot to the stove and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of ghee. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has softened, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced serrano chiles, garlic, and ginger. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until it transforms into a rich, appealing toffee color. This crucial step can take approximately 20 minutes. If the mixture starts to dry out and stick to the bottom of the pot, add a few drops of water here and there to deglaze and prevent burning. Do not rush this step, as it significantly contributes to the depth of flavor in your chili. The mixture should resemble the photo before proceeding.
   
3. Add the garam masala, paprika, and ancho chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the onion mixture evenly with the spices. Cook for a few minutes until the spices become wonderfully fragrant, adding a couple of tablespoons of water if needed to prevent sticking and ensure the spices bloom.
4. Pour the tomato sauce into the pot. Stir to combine, then carefully transfer the entire mixture to a blender or food processor. Process until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Return the pureed sauce to the pot. Now, add the sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, dried fenugreek leaves (if using), the cinnamon stick, and a generous amount of sea salt.
5. Simmer the chili gently over medium-low heat for at least 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens considerably, resembling a paste more than a liquid. Initially, it will be quite thick, then become more saucy as the vegetables cook down and release moisture. Continue simmering until it returns to a rich, paste-like consistency, indicating the flavors have concentrated beautifully. Stir in the two cans of coconut cream until the chili is luxuriously smooth and well combined. Finally, add the fresh lemon juice and the previously cooked ground chicken. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve hot over basmati or cauliflower rice and with naan, if desired. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.

For best results, allow the chili to simmer longer if possible, as the flavors will deepen and meld beautifully. This chili is also fantastic as leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!

Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 6g


Calories: 643cal


Protein: 11g


Fat: 59g


Saturated Fat: 51g


Sodium: 800mg


Potassium: 1387mg


Total Carbs: 30g


Fiber: 10g


Sugar: 11g


Net Carbs: 20g


Vitamin A: 2291IU


Vitamin C: 71mg


Calcium: 71mg


Iron: 6mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.