"Frito Pie" Buffalo Chicken Chili

No offense to the fantastic lunch ladies at Jane Addams Elementary, but their culinary creations were never the best.  

Square, tasteless, luke warm pizza? Not my fave.  BBQ Ribber (the school lunch version of a McRib)? Not even sure what meat it was made of..... And don't even get me started on chicken nuggets that you could bounce off your tray....

However, there was one meal they made that I absolutely loved and was every kid's favorite. Taco in a Bag. Let me repeat- Taco. In. A. Bag.  Need I say more?

Wait? You don't know what I'm talking about? You've never experienced a snack size bag of Nacho Cheesier Doritos filled with taco meat, lettuce and cheese? I'm so sorry- you must've had a tragic childhood.

Apparently there's another version of this found in gas stations across the South called a Frito Pie. Similar concept: Fritos + chili + cheese.  Well, this chili is the result if Taco in a Bag met a Frito Pie, fell in love and had a Chicken Chili Baby.

Ok- I realize that probably does sound too amazing, but you have to trust me- it'll knock your socks off.  Soooo good.  Also, perfect for any Superbowl parties you may have coming up :)

Adapted from this recipe

What You'll Need:

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 lb Ground Chicken
• 1 cup Shredded Carrots
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• S & P
• 1- 7oz can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
• 1- 15 oz can Tomato Sauce
• Fritos
• Pickled Jalapeno Slices
• Shredded Pepper Jack
• Blue Cheese Crumbles

What To Do:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over med-high heat.  Add meat and cook until browned.  Add carrots, onions and garlic; season with salt and pepper.  Cook over medium heat until veggies are softened (about 10 minutes). 
2. Make chipotle puree by added peppers and sauce to a food processor and processing until smooth.  In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp of puree with tomato sauce.  (You can freeze the rest of the puree to use for later). 
3. When veggies are ready, add the chipotle-infused tomato sauce and simmer to heat throughout.  Meanwhile, preheat broiler and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.  Using oven-safe bowls, fill with chili and top with fritos, jalapenos, and cheeses.  Broil until melted and browned.