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!
SAVE THIS EASY RECIPE FOR BBQ CHICKEN CHILI TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the chicken broth, potatoes, and spices. Let that simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- 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.
- 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
BBQ Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1 small red onion diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 pound red potatoes diced very small. See Note.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 15 ounces pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce See Note.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, Fritos for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot saute onion in olive oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until soft.
- Add chicken broth, diced potatoes, and spices. Cook about 15 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- Add chicken, beans, and BBQ sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Notes
- I used about 6 small baby red potatoes (5.33 ounces) and diced them to about ½ -inch. If they’re cut any larger, they’ll take longer to cook.
- Make sure you do not choose a very sweet BBQ sauce – if you do increase chili powder and cumin amounts to combat the sweetness.
Nutrition
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This post was originally published February 2, 2018. It has been updated in format and with pictures on January 23, 2025.
Comments & Reviews
Jen says
We eat a lot of chili in our house and this is such a great way to switch it up! Looks amazing!
Sabrina says
I’m only interested in all the game day food, haha! The BBQ flavor in this chili makes it a perfect fit for Sunday!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I wish I was eating this right now, looks delicious!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
We love chili, but the family gets tired of the same old thing. This is the perfect twist I need!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This looks really comforting! Would be a great staple meal for cold winter nights!
Sandra | A Dash of Sanity says
Chili is a staple in our house during this time of year! I can’t wait to add yours to our list!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Oh yeah, chili & football go together like peanut butter and jelly! I’ll definitely be watching the Halftime Show 🙂 This looks like a great dish to serve for the day (and beyond)!