One-Pot Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Keto Chili
A bold and hearty chili with tender chicken, zucchini, and peppers simmered with smoky spices for a filling low-carb dinner. This mexican-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium green bell pepper, diced, medium zucchini, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless skinless, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, no sugar added
- 1.5 cups chicken bone broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- optional lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound chopped boneless skinless chicken thighs and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until chicken is browned but not fully cooked.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 1 medium diced zucchini to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes and 1.5 cups chicken bone broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Keto Chili take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Keto Chili?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Keto Chili?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Keto Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Keto Chili low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.