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Creamy Chicken Chili

Creamy Chicken Chili
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Creamy Chicken Chili is a warm, comforting dish combining tender chicken with a rich, velvety, and mildly spiced creamy base. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it features simple pantry staples and customizable heat, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Beans

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Dairy and Liquids

  • 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature) or 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Spices

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes and Fresh Accents

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili powder, cumin, and paprika to infuse flavor.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Spices and Liquids: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in chicken broth, then add green chilies and white beans. Stir well to combine.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot. Cover and simmer on low to medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Stir in the Creaminess: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in cream cheese (or heavy cream) until the chili turns smooth and creamy without lumps.
  6. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth blending into the chili without clumps.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Mash some beans slightly to naturally thicken the chili if desired.
  • Add fresh cilantro or parsley at the end to preserve vibrant herbal flavor.
  • Adjust chili thickness by adding more broth for a thinner chili or cooking uncovered to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken chili, chicken chili, comfort food, one-pot meal, creamy chili, easy dinner, gluten-free chili

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/creamy-chicken-chili/