My BBQ Chicken Chili is not only easy to make, it's won a few chili cook-offs, too! It's saucy, sweet, and has a little bit of a kick. 
BBQ Chicken Chili- it's not exactly traditional chili but I'm here to tell you it's a people pleaser. I've taken this chili to multiple chili cook-offs over the years and it just about always wins in at least one of the categories. In fact, just this last weekend it took "Best Non-Traditional Chili" at our church's Halloween party.
I think the zinger in this BBQ Chicken Chili is the addition of pineapple. No one expects to bite down into a piece of juicy pineapple when eating chili, right? The combo of sweet, spicy, and smoky just works so well. Plus, everyone loves BBQ Chicken, so it is a crowd-pleaser all around.
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Tips for Cooking BBQ Chicken Chili:
- I make this version in my Instant Pot because it's so quick, but if you don't have one, no problem! You can easily make this in the slow cooker, too. Just brown your chicken on the stovetop and add ingredients to your slow cooker as listed in the recipe. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until the chicken shreds easily and continue to follow the directions as written.
- Smoked Paprika vs. Regular Paprika-- using smoked paprika in this recipe really adds that extra smokiness that makes it pop, so I definitely recommend using it if you can. Smoked Paprika can be found in most spice aisles at the grocery store. I use it often in recipes where I want just a little bit of smokiness without using liquid smoke or a real-live smoker.
- The "Ranch Dressing Mix Step"-- as you read through the recipe you'll see that after the chicken is cooked I toss it in ranch dressing mix before adding back to the chili. This step may seem odd but it adds just the right amount of flavor and seasons the chicken well.
Other Ingredient Options for BBQ Chicken Chili:
- This chili is also fabulous when you substitute a pork roast for the chicken and turns it into BBQ Pulled Pork Chili.
- Any kind of bean can be used-- Kidney and great northern beans work well, I'm just partial to Pinto and Black.
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Tools Used For This BBQ Chicken Chili:
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The Instant Pot-- This is the model that I have and LOVE. It’s been with me for over a year and I’ve definitely put it through the ringer but still works like new! It’s changed the dinnertime routine at our house and helps me make meals in under an hour that used to take HOURS!
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Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Chili with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole medium onion diced
- 1 whole green bell pepper diced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits drained with juice reserved
- 10 ounce can Ro-Tel Tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 14 ounce can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 14 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons corn meal
- 3 tablespoons or 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot on "Saute" mode and heat until the display reads "HOT". Add olive oil to the pot.
- Season chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt and the full amount of pepper and brown in the pot until golden brown on both sides.
- Add onions and bell pepper to the chicken and stir. Continue by adding the chili powder, cumin, ginger, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir and allow to cook for 1 minute longer.
- ¾ cup of the reserved pineapple juice to the pot followed by the Ro-Tel tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans and BBQ sauce. Stir to combine and place the lid on the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot on "Manual' mode and set the timer for 11 minutes. When cooking time is up, allow the pot to release pressure naturally or allow about 10 minutes before doing a manual pressure release.
- Remove chicken from the chili and set aside on a plate.
- Set Instant Pot on "Saute" mode once again and bring to a simmer. Sprinkle cornmeal over the chili and stir to combine. Simmer, stirring frequently until slightly thickened. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Shred the chicken breasts and sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the chicken, tossing to coat. Return chicken to the chili, followed by the pineapple and cilantro. Stir to combine and serve.
Jill says
Made this for a church “Chili cook off” and came in first place. This time of year is meant for Chili’s and soups, so this recipe was a welcome change. I love it!!!
Samantha says
How do I convert this back to a slow cooker recipe?
5 Words says
Just made this. Love it! I used crushed pineapple as was on hand. Might do it next time on purpose. Will shop around for the Ranch mix, one with healthy ingredients. Good recipe.
Melanie says
When do you add the other 1 tsp of salt? Did I miss it?
Steph says
Been wondering that myself! But it seems to taste good without it!
Heather Cheney says
Sorry, don't know why that was omitted. The remaining salt is to season to taste at the end and I've added it to the recipe. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Lori says
I don’t have a Manual mode on my InstantPot. Hope it works on just 11 minutes with Pressure Cook!!!!
Merry says
Did I miss when the pineapple itself gets added? I just saw the juice.
Heather Cheney says
I somehow omitted that! It's added to the recipe now. You stir them in at the end. Sorry!
Cindy Canestrari says
Printing this out right now, can't wait to make this! First saw on Instagram!
Heather Cheney says
Yay! Hope you love it!
Pat Marzi says
Made it and love it. Can I get the nutrition value anywhere? Pat