Hello again, Joyfull families! Emily Mardell here, your guide to infusing joy and nutrition into your family meals, especially when it comes to celebrating those moments that bring us together—like Super Bowl weekend! This year, let’s make the gathering around the TV as memorable as the game itself by bringing both nutrition and fun to our Super Bowl menus.
Ahead of the big game, I’m thrilled to share a feature recipe that’s a touchdown in both flavour and nutrition— “Cream of the Crop Chicken & White Bean Chili.” [#partner] A superstar dish I’m sharing on CTV Morning Live this week, is not just a quick and easy meal but a “Super Bowl” in its own right! This chili is a snap to make and brims with winning nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamin C, and calcium.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s spotlight a key player in this recipe, chicken [#partner]. Chicken is not only a versatile and delicious protein but also a powerhouse for muscle building and repair. It’s lean, packed with high-quality protein, and contains essential amino acids, like Leucine, needed for muscle growth and maintenance. A 3-ounce serving of chicken breast provides about 28 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support their muscle health and overall physical well-being.
Whether you’re cheering for your favourite team or here for the commercials and halftime show, the latest GetJoyfull recipe, Cream of the Crop Chicken & White Bean Chili, will keep everyone huddled around the food table. Read on for the recipe, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Now, let’s talk about making your Super Bowl menu a field of nutritious delights without sidelining the fun. Here are some tips to ensure your game day is both joyous and health-forward:
- Veggie Touchdowns: Make vegetables the star of your appetizer lineup. Think colorful veggie platters with vibrant dips or zucchini and bell pepper nachos. You’ll sneak in vitamins and fiber, making every bite count.
- Lean and Mean Proteins: Choose lean animal proteins or plant-based alternatives for your mains and sides. Our Chicken & White Bean Chili, for instance, packs a protein punch from three quality protein sources… chicken, beans and Greek yogurt- a triple threat!
- Whole Grain Huddles: Swap out refined grains for whole grains where you can. Whole grain buns for sliders or tortilla chips made from whole grains for your dips add a layer of nutrition and keep the energy levels up through every quarter.
- Halftime Hydrators: Keep a variety of hydrating options available. Infused waters, unsweetened iced teas, or sparkling water with a splash of 100% juice are great ways to keep everyone hydrated and happy.
- Sweet Victories: For dessert, think of fresh fruit arrangements or yogurt dips. They’re a sweet way to end the game on a high note, adding antioxidants and calcium to your party spread.
Be Bold, Be Brave
In life, sport, and especially the kitchen, being bold and brave sets us up for unforgettable experiences. This Super Bowl weekend, I encourage you to experiment with ingredients, try new recipes, and focus on adding nutrition to your menu in fun and creative ways. Let’s make this Super Bowl celebration one for the books—not just for the excitement on the screen, but for the joy and health we bring to our table.
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Follow this simple recipe to create a nutritious and delicious centrepiece for your Super Bowl party.
Cream-of-the-Crop Chicken & White Bean Chili
Ingredients:
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- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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- Preheat a large non-stick pot on the stove-top on medium high heat. Add oil, onions and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes, until onions are tender and translucent. Add bell pepper and seasonings, cook for another minute.
- Pour in broth, chicken, white beans and corn and green chilies. Stir. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 30 minutes. Tip: For a thicker chili, mashed 1 cup of the white beans before them adding to the pot.
- Just before serving, remove from heat, stir in cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Portion and serve. Top with your choice of fresh cilantro, smoked cheddar, chopped jalapeño, crunchy corn chips, and Greek yogurt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Tips:
Get creative and serve up fun:
- Serve in sourdough bread bowls, broil with a little smoked cheddar and broil to perfection!
- Craving a crunch? Layer up a tray of chili-cheese nachos! Add chili to tortilla chips and top with extra veggies and cheese. Bake again until bubbling and awesome!
- Serve chili over cilantro-lime rice for extra filling, energizing meal.
Special thanks to Alberta Chicken Producers for inspiring many of our recipes and helping fuel healthy, active families and a whole lot of fun!
Remember, the goal of GetJoyfull is not just to eat but to enjoy every bite with gratitude and joy. This Super Bowl weekend, let’s celebrate with bold flavors, brave choices, and a joyful spirit that brings us together.
Happy Super Bowl, and happy eating!
Joyfully,
Emily Mardell, RD
Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.