Creamy Chicken Chili

Looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make? This Creamy Chicken Chili is the perfect answer. It’s hearty, rich, and packed with tender chicken, beans, corn, and just the right blend of spices—all brought together in a smooth, creamy broth. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day feast, this chili is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
Hearty & Filling – Protein-packed with chicken and beans.
Mildly Spicy – Flavorful with a touch of heat, but still kid-friendly.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for later.
Perfect for Any Season – Cozy in winter, light enough for warmer months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Base:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk

For Garnish & Serving:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Lime wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

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 and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

1. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
2. Pour in the drained beans, corn, green chilies, and chicken broth.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Ingredients

1. Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese cubes to the chili.
2. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts and fully blends into the broth.
3. Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream (or milk).
4. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chili is creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Taste & Adjust

1. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, spice, or lime juice to brighten it up.
2. For a thinner chili, add a bit more broth; for thicker texture, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle the creamy chicken chili into bowls.
2. Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
3. Add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for extra brightness.

Tips for Best Results
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
Soften Cream Cheese – Let it sit at room temperature to melt more easily into the chili.
Adjust Spice Levels – Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for more heat, or tone it down for mild palates.
Stir Gently – This keeps the beans whole and gives the chili a smoother texture.
Make It Ahead – The flavor improves as it sits, so make it a day in advance if possible.

Serving Suggestions
With Cornbread – Classic pairing for any chili night.
Over Rice – Turns it into an even more filling meal.
Inside a Bread Bowl – For a fun and hearty presentation.
With a Fresh Salad – A crisp side salad balances the richness.
Top with Avocado – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to avoid hot spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use raw chicken instead?
Yes. Dice it and sauté with the onion and garlic until fully cooked, then proceed with the recipe.

2. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients (except dairy) and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk at the end.

3. Is it spicy?
This version is mild with just a little warmth. Adjust the spice level to your taste.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based sour cream, and unsweetened almond milk.

5. What beans work best?
White beans like cannellini, great northern, or navy beans are ideal, but pinto beans also work well.

Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s always a winner. Customize it to your taste, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy every spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 540mg

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