Creamy Chicken Chili

Warm, hearty, and ultra-comforting, this Creamy Chicken Chili is a must-have recipe for cozy nights. Made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a luscious, flavorful broth, this dish is rich without being heavy. It’s easy to prep, packed with protein, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Comforting – A velvety broth that hugs every bite.
Protein-Packed – With chicken and beans, it’s both filling and nourishing.
One-Pot Meal – Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup.
Mild Heat – Family-friendly with room to customize spice levels.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or spicy)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed (like cannellini or great northern)
• 1½ cups frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for added creaminess)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• Crushed tortilla chips or strips
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing spoon
• Cutting board and knife
• Ladle
• Tongs or forks (for shredding chicken)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken & Spices

1. Place whole chicken breasts or thighs into the pot.
2. Sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir to coat the chicken in spices.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

1. Pour in chicken broth, green chilies, white beans, and corn.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot.
2. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

1. Stir in cubed cream cheese and Greek yogurt (or sour cream).
2. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the broth is creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle chili into bowls.
2. Top with your favorite garnishes—shredded cheese, cilantro, avocado, or tortilla chips.
3. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Chili
Use Thighs for Juiciness – Chicken thighs stay moist and tender in soups.
Don’t Boil the Dairy – Keep heat low when adding cream cheese and yogurt to prevent curdling.
Control the Spice – Choose mild green chilies or add jalapeños if you want heat.
Add Extra Veggies – Stir in spinach or chopped bell peppers for more nutrition.
Make It Thicker – Mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry if you like it extra thick.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread – Ideal for dipping into the creamy broth.
Cornbread – Sweet, savory, and perfect on the side.
Tortilla Chips – Add crunch and scoopability.
Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness.
Rice or Quinoa – Serve chili over grains to make it a hearty meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Add all ingredients except cream cheese and yogurt. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in dairy at the end and cook another 15 minutes.
2. Is this chili spicy?
   It’s mild, but you can adjust heat with hot green chilies or jalapeños.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Definitely. Add it during Step 4 and reduce cook time slightly.
4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   Substitute with extra Greek yogurt or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Use vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and add extra beans or tofu.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Chili is a comforting bowl of goodness that’s easy to make, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. It’s a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a warm and cozy meal. The blend of creamy broth, hearty beans, and tender chicken makes it a family favorite you’ll make again and again.

Give it a try tonight—you won’t be disappointed!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American Southwestern

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 540mg

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