Experience the ultimate comfort in every spoonful with our Chicken Cream Cheese Chili recipe. This creamy and hearty chili is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a chilly night or need a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this chili promises to satisfy every palate. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this comforting and flavorful chili that will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Fierce Chicken Cream Cheese Chili Recipe
Chicken Cream Cheese Chili is a rich and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, creamy cream cheese, and flavorful spices. This comforting chili is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Equipment
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can corn kernels, drained
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn kernels, diced green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the chili has thickened slightly.
- Once the chili has simmered, add the softened and cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Chicken Cream Cheese Chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro, or sour cream.
- Enjoy your delicious and creamy Chicken Cream Cheese Chili with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a satisfying meal!
Notes
- Vegetable Preparation – Ensure uniform chopping of onions and bell peppers for even cooking. Mince garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the chili.
- Bean and Corn Options – Use canned black beans and corn kernels for convenience, but you can also use cooked dried beans and fresh or frozen corn if preferred.
Which type of chicken meat should i use?
For Chicken Cream Cheese Chili, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Both options work well in this recipe, and the choice largely comes down to personal taste and texture preferences.
Here’s a brief comparison of chicken breasts and thighs to help you decide:
- Chicken Breasts:
- Leaner option: Chicken breasts are lower in fat and calories compared to thighs.
- Tender texture: Chicken breasts have a tender and slightly firmer texture, making them ideal for shredding or dicing in chili.
- Mild flavor: Chicken breasts have a milder flavor compared to thighs, allowing the other ingredients and seasonings to shine.
- Chicken Thighs:
- More flavor: Chicken thighs have a slightly higher fat content, which adds more flavor and richness to the chili.
- Juicier texture: Chicken thighs are inherently juicier and more succulent compared to breasts, contributing to a more moist and flavorful chili.
- Forgiving cooking: Chicken thighs are less prone to drying out during cooking, making them a forgiving option for simmering in the chili.
how can i store the leftovers?
To store leftovers of Chicken Cream Cheese Chili properly, follow these steps:
- Cool Down: Allow the leftover chili to cool to room temperature before storing it. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
- Transfer to Containers: Once cooled, transfer the chili to airtight containers or resealable bags. Divide the chili into smaller portions if desired for easier reheating later.
- Refrigerate: Seal the containers tightly and place them in the refrigerator. Make sure to label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Use Within 3-4 Days: Leftover Chicken Cream Cheese Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. After this time, the quality may start to degrade, and it’s best to discard any remaining chili.
- Reheat Properly: When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the chili gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Avoid Freezing Cream Cheese: Keep in mind that cream cheese may not freeze and thaw well due to its high water content. If you’ve added cream cheese to your chili, it’s best to consume the leftovers within the refrigeration timeframe rather than freezing them.