There’s something magical about a big bowl of Cream Cheese Chicken Chili that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket, even if it’s 90 degrees outside. Imagine the creamy richness mingling with zesty spices, tender chunks of chicken, and an explosion of flavors that dance on your taste buds! You can practically hear your taste buds doing the cha-cha as they get acquainted with this delightful dish. Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls as a side Chicken Pad Thai for a twist It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want to gather friends or family around the table and enjoy something comforting and satisfying.
Now, let me take you back to a game night last winter. I whipped up this Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, thinking it would be just another dish. To my surprise, it became the star of the evening! Everyone was raving about how delicious and creamy it was. Honey Sesame Chicken recipe Now every time I make it, I’m flooded with fond memories of laughter, friendly competition, and those empty bowls that begged for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but delivers a flavor punch that’s simply unforgettable
- The creamy texture makes each bite delightful while adding vibrant colors makes it visually appealing
- It’s versatile enough to serve at gatherings or prepare for quick weeknight dinners
- Plus, leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day!
I vividly remember my sister’s eyes lighting up when she took her first spoonful of this chili. It was love at first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use around 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for that rich, creamy texture we all crave.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control saltiness while adding depth to the flavor.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans provide protein and fiber; drain and rinse them before adding.
- Sweet Corn: Fresh or frozen corn adds sweetness and crunch; opt for sweet corn for extra flavor. Panzanella for a fresh twist.
- Green Chilies: Canned diced green chilies give a nice kick without overwhelming heat—perfect for everyone!
- Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): These spices elevate the flavor profile; fresh spices bring out more aroma in your dish.
- Onion & Garlic: Sautéed onion and garlic add aromatic goodness that sets the stage for deliciousness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients—chop the onions and mince the garlic to set yourself up for success. A little prep goes a long way!
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until they’re translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic until it’s just fragrant—don’t burn it!
Add Chicken and Broth: Toss in the chicken breasts along with chicken broth into your pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Once your chicken is cooked through (about 15-20 minutes), remove it from the pot and shred it. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and combined—oh-so-creamy goodness awaits! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Penne recipe.
Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add back shredded chicken along with black beans, sweet corn, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the pot. Stir well until everything’s heated through.
Simmer Away!: Let your chili simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes; this allows flavors to deepen further while keeping things warm and inviting.
And voilà! You’re ready to enjoy a bowl of Cream Cheese Chicken Chili that will have everyone coming back for more. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe.
This delightful dish perfectly blends creamy textures with hearty ingredients—a true crowd-pleaser that warms both stomachs and hearts alike!
You Must Know
- This creamy and comforting cream cheese chicken chili is a must-try for chilly nights
- The blend of spices and creamy texture creates a flavor explosion that will keep everyone coming back for seconds
- Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then let it simmer with spices while you prepare the cream cheese base.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add black beans for extra protein and fiber. You can also customize the heat with your favorite chili peppers.
Storing & Reheating
Store your chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your cream cheese chicken chili even better, use fresh ingredients and taste as you go
- Don’t skip the simmering time; it melds flavors beautifully
- Finally, top with fresh cilantro or avocado for a refreshing finish!
Cooking this dish always reminds me of cozy evenings spent with friends who devour every last bite. The laughter and stories shared around the table make it unforgettable.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for cream cheese chicken chili?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even texture.
What can I serve with cream cheese chicken chili?
Consider cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch alongside your chili.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat!
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting dish that promises to warm you up, making it perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. This flavorful chili combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a rich cream cheese base, creating a delightful blend that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and versatile enough for meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and broth to the pot; bring to a gentle simmer for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot, shred it, and stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot along with black beans, corn, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until heated through.
- Let simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sear the chicken before adding broth. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or add more beans for extra protein. Customize the spice level by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
