The Kevin Malones of the world would have you believe that time is the most important ingredient in a perfect pot of chili. Time to meticulously chop. Time for the ingredients to “get to know each other.” Time to talk about how much time it took to cook. And look—we get it. A long-simmering chili is special. But a chili that comes together in under an hour? That’s a minor miracle, especially on a cold night or during a rowdy game day.
This easy chicken sausage chili delivers big, slow-cooked flavor with just 10 minutes of prep and about 45 minutes on the stove. Beans, tomatoes, and peppers build a hearty base, while Italian Herb Chicken Sausage does the heavy lifting, adding bold flavor and a subtle Calabrian kick without all the measuring. Serve it in a bowl, spoon it over a chicken dog, and feel free to tell your friends it took all day. Legends, after all, are best served with a little embellishment.
Toppings recommendation: This chili is great on its own, but optional toppings take it over the top. Try sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, green onions, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.
Chef’s note: Prefer a more traditional texture? Pulse the sausage briefly in a food processor before cooking to mimic ground meat.
