Hey there, home cooks! It’s Chef Emma Brookstone from BusyCookLife.com, and I’m thrilled to share my latest creation: the Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal! If you’ve got five minutes, you’ve got dinner – that’s the motto for this awesome recipe that’s about to change your busy weeknight game.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal in 10 Minutes
This Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal is a total microwave-savvy miracle, my friends. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s packed with all the flavors you crave in a classic chili – but with a fun, cheesy twist that’ll have you coming back for more. Less mess, more yum, as I always say! In just 10 minutes flat, you can have a satisfying, single-serve bowl of goodness that’ll leave you feeling nourished and content. Whether you’re short on time or just craving some cozy, calming deliciousness, this recipe has got your back.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal is that it requires just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. No long shopping lists or complicated prep work here – just a few kitchen staples that come together for a real-deal dinner in minutes.
- 4 oz – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can – Diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can – Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp – Taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken would both work great in this recipe.
- Beans: Pinto or black beans can be used instead of the kidney beans for a dietary swap.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal in 10 Minutes
Believe it or not, this entire Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal comes together in just a few simple steps. Microwave magic at its finest, my friends!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by dicing up those chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook through quickly in the microwave. Then, drain and rinse the canned kidney beans – easy peasy!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a microwave-safe mug or bowl, combine the diced chicken, diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and taco seasoning. Give it all a good stir until it’s well mixed.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop that mug meal in the microwave and zap it on high for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Carefully remove the hot mug, then top it with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Back in the microwave it goes for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, just long enough for the cheese to melt into gooey, cheesy perfection.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Hearty Boost: For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked rice or quinoa before microwaving.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños if you like a little extra heat.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Top the finished chili with crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream for a fun Tex-Mex twist.
- Bean Swaps: Pinto or black beans can be used instead of the kidney beans to switch up the flavors.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A fresh green salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
Storage: This Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Microwave Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the chili in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Make a few servings at once and stash them in the fridge or freezer for quick, grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Info
This Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal is a nutritious and satisfying dinner option that’ll keep you feeling full and energized. Each serving provides a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and complex carbs – all the good stuff to fuel your busy day.
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
FAQs
Can I use ground meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground beef would both be delicious in this Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal. Simply brown the meat in a skillet before adding it to the mug.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free taco seasoning blend. You can also skip the tortilla chips and serve it over a bed of leafy greens or cauliflower rice.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, you can! Just allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the chili in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the microwave.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness in this Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal can be adjusted to your personal preferences. The taco seasoning provides a mild to medium level of heat, but you can always add more or less to suit your taste.
Can I make this in advance?
You bet! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire mug meal in advance, then simply reheat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great stress-free, weeknight dinner option.
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Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal in 10 Minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Chili Mug Meal is a quick and hearty dinner option that you can prepare in just 10 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights!
Ingredients
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup canned chili beans
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 mug for serving
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the shredded chicken, chili beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions.
2. Add chili powder, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
3. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
5. Stir the mixture and check if it’s hot enough; if not, microwave for an additional minute.
6. Let it cool for a minute before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or avocado on top before serving.
This recipe is easily customizable; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg