There are few meals more comforting than a steaming bowl of chili, especially when it’s hearty, flavorful, and topped with pillowy cornmeal dumplings. Chicken Chili with Cornmeal Dumplings is a delicious twist on the traditional beef-based chili. It swaps in lean chicken for a lighter yet equally satisfying protein, while the cornmeal dumplings add a warm, Southern-inspired touch that makes the dish feel cozy, rustic, and downright irresistible.
Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening, for a family dinner, or at a casual gathering, this recipe delivers the best of both worlds—zesty chili goodness and the homey, bread-like texture of dumplings all in one bowl.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Comfort: Chicken keeps the chili lighter, while cornmeal dumplings provide hearty satisfaction.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the same pot, making prep and cleanup simple.
- Rich Flavor: With spices, veggies, and tender chicken, every spoonful is loaded with flavor.
- Unique Twist: The dumplings elevate chili from a simple stew into a complete, comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Chili
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornmeal Dumplings
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a subtle sweetness)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Spices
Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the chicken and veggies in warm, smoky flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook through.
Step 4: Make the Dumpling Batter
While the chili simmers, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Add milk and melted butter, stirring until a thick batter forms.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the batter gently on top of the simmering chili. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let cook for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid—steam is needed to cook the dumplings fully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dumplings are firm and cooked through, ladle chili into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a dumpling or two. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
This recipe strikes a nice balance between hearty comfort and lighter nutrition thanks to lean chicken and wholesome dumplings.
Presentation and Serving Tips
- Rustic Charm: Serve in wide bowls to show off the fluffy dumplings nestled on top of the chili.
- Colorful Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or shredded cheddar adds color and flavor.
- Pair It Up: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Family Style: Bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone scoop their own serving—it adds to the cozy, communal vibe.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Dumplings: Mix shredded cheddar into the dumpling batter for gooey, cheesy bites.
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for extra beans, lentils, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Herbed Dumplings: Stir chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro into the batter for a fresh twist.
- Creamy Base: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end for a richer chili.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
Chicken Chili with Cornmeal Dumplings isn’t just another chili recipe—it’s comfort food layered with textures and flavors. The chili is savory, spicy, and hearty, while the dumplings provide a soft, cornbread-like topping that makes every bite satisfying. It’s a one-pot dish that feels special without being complicated, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
This recipe brings together the best of chili and classic dumplings, transforming them into a dish that’s both unique and timeless.
If you’re craving a cozy, hearty, and family-friendly dinner, Chicken Chili with Cornmeal Dumplings checks all the boxes. It’s rich yet balanced, rustic yet comforting, and full of bold flavors topped with fluffy dumplings that make every bite irresistible.
Warm, satisfying, and easy to make, this recipe deserves a spot in your comfort food collection. Serve it once, and it will quickly become a favorite that friends and family request again and again.