Creamy Chicken Chili

This Creamy Chicken Chili is everything you want in a comforting bowl of soup—rich, flavorful, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a silky cream cheese base, this cozy chili is the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing game-day meal. It’s mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for chili lovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Everything simmers together in a single pot.
Ultra Creamy – Cream cheese and sour cream create a smooth, rich broth.
Family Favorite – Mild, hearty, and super satisfying.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Gets better after a day in the fridge.
Customizable – Add spice, veggies, or toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado
• Tortilla strips or chips

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs or forks for shredding chicken
• Ladle
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Spices
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the pot.
Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano.
Sear lightly for 2–3 minutes per side (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).

Step 3: Add Beans, Chilies & Broth
Pour in the white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth.
Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Stir in Creaminess
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Stir in cubed cream cheese, sour cream, and frozen corn (if using).
Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese melts and the chili is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Taste & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili fixings!

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Chili
Soften Cream Cheese – Cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temp for quicker melting.
Use Thighs for Extra Flavor – They stay juicy and tender during simmering.
Low & Slow – Simmer gently after adding dairy to avoid curdling.
Boost the Flavor – A squeeze of lime or dash of hot sauce can add brightness and spice.
Make It Thicker – Mash some beans or add a cornstarch slurry for a heartier texture.

Serving Suggestions
Cornbread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Rice – Spoon chili over white or brown rice for a filling meal.
Baked Potatoes – Use this chili as a loaded topping.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.
• Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except dairy and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream in the last 30 minutes.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely—add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives, though the texture may be slightly different.

4. Is this chili spicy?
It’s mild. Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce if you like more heat.

5. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but fresh or rotisserie gives better texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Chili is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again—especially when you need something cozy, filling, and incredibly easy. Whether you serve it for family dinner or meal prep for the week, it delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Try it out and don’t forget to share your version online—I’d love to see how you top your bowl!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 480mg

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