Growing up in Southern California, Souplantation was a go-to family favorite, especially during the cooler months. This Souplantation Kickin’ Chicken Chili recipe brings back those comforting buffet memories with bold, cozy flavors you can enjoy at home.
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Souplantation Kickin’ Chicken Chili Recipe
A hearty, comforting chili straight from the Souplantation buffet—warm, filling, and perfect for chilly days.
What Was Souplantation?
Souplantation, also known as Sweet Tomatoes, was a beloved buffet-style restaurant known for its fresh soups, salads, baked goods, and seasonal comfort foods. It became a staple for families across Southern California and beyond.
Fan favorites included hearty soups, signature chili recipes, freshly baked muffins, and endless salad combinations. Sadly, Souplantation permanently closed in 2020, but many of their official recipes live on—allowing longtime fans to recreate those comforting flavors at home.
Kickin’ Chicken Chili
Makes approximately 10 cups.
Ingredients
- 8 oz shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (30 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (30 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 oz chopped green bell pepper
- 12 oz diced onions
- 2 cans (16 oz) diced green chilis
- 7 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced green onions
- Diced white onions
- Crumbled crackers
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except milk and cornstarch in a large pot.
- Simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
- Add cornstarch mixture and remaining milk to the chili.
- Heat on low for an additional 10 minutes, stirring gently.
- Serve warm and top with your favorite optional toppings.
Recipe Source: sweettomatoesrecipes.com