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Creamy Chicken Chili

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As soon as it's cold or raining outside I am immediately craving cozy, comfort meals like THIS chili. I am also here for all the one-pot meals! I initially intended this being a white chicken chili but then added tomatoes and it turned rosé! I wasn't upset by the outcome. So delicious! Definitely give this a try.

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together in under an hour, this Creamy Chicken Chili is the perfect recipe for you. This chili offers a delicious twist on traditional chili by incorporating creamy elements that make every bite rich and satisfying, while still being wholesome and nutritious. Loaded with tender chicken, beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s a meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

What sets this chili apart is its luscious creaminess, achieved by stirring in cream cheese toward the end of cooking. This addition mellows the spices and adds a velvety texture that complements the bold flavors of onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this creamy chicken chili delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful.

This Creamy Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave something warm and filling. With simple ingredients and flexible substitutions, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your taste or pantry. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of creamy, flavorful goodness that everyone will love!

How To Make Creamy Chicken Chili

The Ingredients

Onion
Onion adds a foundational savory sweetness to the chili, building a rich flavor base.
Substitutes: Shallots, leeks, or green onions.

Garlic
Garlic contributes aromatic depth and savory notes that enhance the overall taste.
Substitutes: Garlic powder, roasted garlic, or garlic paste.

Jalapeño
Jalapeño adds a mild to moderate heat that wakes up the chili without overpowering it.
Substitutes: Serrano peppers for more heat, poblano for milder flavor, or chili flakes.

Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and absorb the chili’s rich flavors well.
Substitutes: Chicken thighs (for juicier meat), turkey breast, or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans add creaminess and bulk to the chili with a mild, nutty flavor.
Substitutes: White kidney beans, great northern beans, or black beans for a different twist.

Corn
Corn adds sweetness and texture, brightening up the dish.
Substitutes: Frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or fresh diced zucchini.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Fire-roasted tomatoes bring smoky depth and vibrant acidity, elevating the chili.
Substitutes: Regular canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes sautéed until soft.

Broth
Broth helps build the chili’s liquid base and enhances overall flavor.
Substitutes: Chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water with bouillon.

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese gives this chili its signature creamy texture and rich flavor.
Substitutes: Sour cream, Greek yogurt (for a tangier, lighter option), or coconut cream for dairy-free.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Finely chop onion, garlic and jalapeño.
  • Open corn and beans; rinse and drain.
  • Add a drizzle of oil to a large Dutch oven or heavy pot on medium heat; once hot, add onions. You can also cook this chili in an Instant Pot® (directions will vary depending on your appliance).
  • Cook for 5 minutes stirring often and then add garlic, jalapeño and spices.
  • Cook for 1 more minute, stirring continuously.
  • Add beans, corn, tomatoes and broth.
  • Add chicken breasts, stir everything to ensure chicken is submerged.
  • Cover with the lid and bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes (lid partially off) until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
  • Return chicken to chili and add cream cheese.
  • Stir and let simmer for another 5 minutes (this will help it thicken).
  • Serve with Greek yogurt, green onion and shredded cheese.

Recipe Tips

  • If your chili has too much liquid, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it!

 

Creamy Chicken Chili

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

Chili

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 2-3 chicken breasts
  • 1 can cannellini beans
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 28 oz. diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • 3.5 cups broth or 2 cups broth and 1.5 cups water
  • ½ cup cream cheese

Toppings

  • Green onion
  • Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheese

Spices

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Finely chop onion, garlic and jalapeño.
  • Open corn and beans; rinse and drain.
  • Add a drizzle of oil to a large Dutch oven or heavy pot on medium heat; once hot, add onions. You can also cook this chili in an Instant Pot® (directions will vary depending on your appliance).
  • Cook for 5 minutes stirring often and then add garlic, jalapeño and spices.
  • Cook for 1 more minute, stirring continuously.
  • Add beans, corn, tomatoes and broth.
  • Add chicken breasts, stir everything to ensure chicken is submerged.
  • Cover with the lid and bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes (lid partially off) until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
  • Return chicken to chili and add cream cheese.
  • Stir and let simmer for another 5 minutes (this will help it thicken).
  • Serve with Greek yogurt, green onion and shredded cheese.

Notes

  • If your chili has too much liquid, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it!

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Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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