Skyline Chicken Chili Recipe

I was thrilled to discover their new chicken-based option. It’s perfect for those craving the bold Skyline flavor while opting for a protein that feels a bit lighter. The best part? You can recreate Skyline Chicken Chili in your own kitchen! Whether you’re a Skyline fanatic like me or just looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Table of Contents

How to make Skyline Chicken Chili

Skyline Chicken Chili is a Cincinnati-style chili from Skyline Chili, made with chicken instead of beef.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (boneless and skinless, diced or shredded after cooking)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 teaspoons sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced onions
Oyster crackers

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken or chicken breasts/thighs and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked, then remove, shred (if necessary), and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.

Tips for the Best Skyline Chicken Chili

Go slow on the spices: If you’re unsure about the intensity of flavors, start with smaller amounts and adjust as the chili simmers to suit your taste. Remember, Skyline Chili is famous for bold, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
Make it authentic: For the genuine Skyline experience, serve your chicken chili over cooked spaghetti (yes, spaghetti!) for a true “5-Way,” or use it to top Coneys (hot dogs).
Prep in advance: Like most chilies, this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Make a batch ahead of time for easy reheating.
Use quality chicken: Choose tender, all-white chicken for the best texture and flavor.
Customize toppings: Add generous shredded cheddar, fresh diced onions, and oyster crackers on top for the authentic Skyline touch.

Ingredients Substitutes

While the traditional recipe for Skyline Chicken Chili calls for specific ingredients to achieve that signature Cincinnati flavor, there’s plenty of room for flexibility based on your dietary preferences, what you have in your pantry, or your desire to experiment.

1. Chicken

If you don’t have chicken or prefer to use an alternative protein, try these substitutes:

Ground Chicken or Turkey: Ground versions of these proteins are lean and blend well with the chili spices.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer more flavor and don’t mind a slightly higher fat content, chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts.
Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by shredding meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Plant-Based Chicken Alternatives: Use shredded plant-based “chicken” made from soy, seitan, or jackfruit for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Tofu or Tempeh: For vegetarians, crumble tofu or tempeh into the chili for a satisfying texture.
Beans: Add more beans like kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas if you’d prefer replacing chicken with a legume option.

2. Chicken Broth

The broth serves as the base of the chili, but other options work well, too:

Vegetable Broth: A great substitute for a lighter or plant-based chili.
Beef Broth: If you prefer a deeper and heartier flavor (though it changes the profile slightly).
Water + Bouillon Cubes: Dissolve chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes in hot water as a quick and flavorful alternative.
Bone Broth: Use chicken bone broth for added nutrients and a richer taste.

3. Tomato Sauce

If you’re out of canned tomato sauce, here are some easy replacements:

Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Blend them for a smoother texture that mimics the consistency of tomato sauce.
Tomato Puree or Passata: These are excellent 1:1 substitutes and offer a similar consistency.
Ketchup: In a pinch, you can use ketchup, but reduce any added sugar in the recipe to ensure it doesn’t become too sweet.
Fresh Tomatoes: Blend fresh tomatoes with a splash of water (and strain if you want a smoother texture).

4. Olive Oil

For cooking the aromatics and chicken, these substitutes will work just as well:

Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil: Neutral oils that won’t impact flavor.
Butter: Adds a richer flavor to your chili (but use sparingly to avoid making it too heavy).
Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free and plant-based fat, but keep in mind it may lightly impact the taste.

5. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder gives Skyline Chili its unique depth and slightly bitter, earthy notes. If you don’t have cocoa powder, try these:

Unsweetened Chocolate: Use 1 square of unsweetened baking chocolate in place of 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder.
Dark Chocolate (70% or higher): Add a small square of dark chocolate for similar flavor notes.
Carob Powder: A plant-based alternative, but it may add a slightly sweeter flavor.

Final Thoughts

Skyline Chicken Chili is an incredibly adaptable dish that can be served in a multitude of ways.

More Chicken Recipes:

[penci_recipe]

Chicken Recipes