Motor & Mosey

In honor of my recent weekend in the great outdoors, this week’s lunches feature a delish Grilled Chicken Chili. My take on this camping classic is a perfect balance of hearty and healthy, with fresh local peppers, grilled chicken and roasted corn.

Grilled Chicken Chili w/ Roasted Corn and Black Beans

Serves: 6 hungry people (most likely with some leftovers)

3 chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp diced chipotle peppers in adobo
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

2 tbsp olive oil
1 can corn
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 anaheim peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 jalapeno, diced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 cups chicken stock
1 can black beans
Salt & pepper to taste

Green onions, thinly sliced
Cotija cheese, crumbled

Toss chicken breasts with diced chipotles in 1 tbsp olive oil, adobo, salt, and pepper until coated on all sides. Marinate for a minimum of 3 hours. Grill marinated chicken until cooked, about 10 min per side. Let rest. Dice chicken into 1/2 in pieces.

In a large dutch oven or pot, add 2 tbsp olive oil and corn. Cook, stirring often, until corn begins to brown. Add onions, cook until they become soft and translucent. Add garlic, anaheim peppers, bell peppers and jalapeno. Cook until peppers have begin to soften. Add spices, stir until vegetable mix is well coated and spices become aromatic. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and chicken stock. Reduce heat and let simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add black beans, diced chicken, and salt & pepper to taste. Let simmer an additional 15 minutes.

The chili can be served immediately, but I usually find it is more tasty if made a day ahead. When ready to serve, add chili toppings of your choice (my favs are crunchy green onions and crumbled cotija cheese).

Lunchtime tip: Paper soup cups are a great way to transport homemade meals to work. The are compostable, and stand up to microwave reheating very well. You can find them at Cash & Carry or most restaurant supply stores.