BBQ Chicken Chili

Make this easy BBQ Chicken Chili for a weeknight meal or game day gathering! This hearty chili is full of flavor, but the rotisserie chicken shortcut makes it quick and easy to throw together. Dish up a bowl and enjoy!

Nothing goes together quite like chili and football! I love making a big pot of chili for the big weekend game. It doesn’t matter what team you’re cheering for—everyone will be cheering for this super easy chili!

I am obsessed with barbecue chicken! I mean, there is something about the combination of BBQ, chicken, cheddar cheese, and cilantro that I love! Don’t you? So far, I’ve used it in this Creamy BBQ Chicken Pizza, these BBQ Chicken Burgers, and even BBQ Chicken Slider Melts!

What ingredients do I need for BBQ Chicken with Chili?

This recipe calls for leftover shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect for this!), broth, a handful of spices, potatoes, beans, and your favorite barbecue sauce. 

• 1 small red onion (about ½ cup), diced
• 1/3 pound red potatoes, diced very small
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 1/12 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 3 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken
• 1 15-ounce can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 18-ounce bottle of BBQ sauce
• Garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, Fritos or Tortilla chips

Make sure you don’t use a very sweet barbecue sauce or the flavors won’t be balanced. If you do, increase the chili powder and cumin to balance the sweetness.

How to make BBQ Chicken Chili

I love this fun twist on traditional chili! Make this recipe on the stove top in under 30 minutes.

1. First, use a sharp knife and cutting board to cut your onion and potatoes. There is no need to peel the potatoes for this recipe.
2. Next, grab a large stockpot or other big pot, drizzle some olive oil on the bottom, and saute the onion for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, potatoes, and spices. Let that simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add the chicken, beans, and barbecue sauce. Stir until well combined. Let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. I like to let it sit a bit longer to deepen the flavors.
5. Ladle chili into individual bowls and top as desired. Enjoy!

Topping Suggestions

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced green onions
• Shredded cheese
• A little sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chips like Fritos or tortilla chips
• Crumbled Saltine crackers

Can I make this recipe for chicken chili in a crock pot?

You can make this barbecue chili recipe in a crockpot by using fresh or frozen chicken breasts instead. Put all the ingredients in the crockpot except the beans, cover the pot, and set it for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. When you’re ready to eat, stir in the beans, shred the chicken, and serve!

Can I make this recipe without chicken?

Yes, you can make this a vegetarian chili by omitting the chicken and adding extra veggies in with the potatoes. Consider using carrots, green peppers, and corn. Add in a can of crushed tomatoes too. Consider adding an extra can of beans to get plenty of protein in your meal.

How do I store leftover chili?

Once chili cools to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can you freeze BBQ Chicken Chili?

Yes, this recipe freezes very well! Let the chili cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer bag or other airtight container. I like to store soups, stews, and even ground beef flat in the freezer to save space and help with even thawing.

Freeze this chili for up to 3 months.

More Chili Recipes

One reason why I love chili is that it is so versatile! You can add pretty much anything to your chili for a new variety. Try one of these delicious meals next time:

• Turkey Mango Chili– this chili uses ground turkey and mango salsa for a sweet, tangy flavor.
• Cream Cheese Chicken Chili– add cream cheese and ranch dressing to add a creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Fiesta Chili– this great recipe is inspired by a family friend and is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy!

Try these BBQ-flavored Recipes too!

• BBQ Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
• BBQ Sweet Potato Chips
• BBQ Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
• BBQ Pulled Pork Macaroni & Cheese
• Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This post was originally published February 2, 2018. It has been updated in format and with pictures on January 23, 2025.