There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of cream cheese chicken chili, isn’t there? It’s that perfect blend of creaminess and spice that wraps you in a cozy hug on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering. Everyone was buzzing about the flavors, and I was just thrilled to share a recipe that’s been a crowd-pleaser in my home for years. The tender chicken melds beautifully with the rich cream cheese, while the zesty spices give it that little kick that keeps you coming back for more.
What makes this cream cheese chicken chili so special is its versatility. You can whip it up in under an hour, and it’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest family members, and the leftovers—if there are any—taste even better the next day! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. So, get ready to dive into some seriously delicious comfort food!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 medium onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste, start with 1 teaspoon each
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned, drained
- Fresh cilantro for garnish, chopped
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making cream cheese chicken chili is not just about following steps; it’s about enjoying the process and savoring the aromas that fill your kitchen. So, grab your favorite pot and let’s dive in!
Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to hear a nice sizzle when you add the onions but not so hot that they burn. Toss in the finely diced onion and let it sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is aromatic but not browned—burnt garlic can ruin the dish!
Cook the Chicken
Next up, it’s time to add the star of the show! Toss in the diced chicken breasts. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re nicely browned on the outside. This step is crucial because browning adds depth and flavor! You want to see those golden bits forming on the bottom of the pot—don’t worry, we’ll scrape those up later.
Build the Flavor Base
Now it’s time to layer in the spices! Sprinkle the chili powder and cumin over the chicken and mix well, letting them toast for about 1-2 minutes. This step is key! Toasting spices releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor, which is what we want in our chili. Season with salt and pepper, starting with about a teaspoon each, and adjust later to your liking.
Combine Ingredients
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—those bits are flavor gold! Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it bubble away for about 20 minutes. This allows all the ingredients to meld and develop that delicious chili flavor.
Simmer and Incorporate Cream Cheese
After the 20 minutes, reduce the heat to low. Here comes the best part: the cream cheese! Cut it into chunks and stir it into the chili. I like to let it melt slowly, which gives you that creamy texture we’re after. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the chili is smooth and luscious. If it looks a bit thick, you can always add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and then it’s ready to serve!
Nutritional Information
When diving into a comforting bowl of cream cheese chicken chili, it’s helpful to know what you’re putting into your body. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on specific brands or ingredient variations you choose. For instance, using low-sodium chicken broth can help reduce the sodium content, while adding extra beans can boost the fiber and protein even more! Enjoy this delicious dish while keeping in mind how it fits into your dietary needs.
Tips for Success
To make your cream cheese chicken chili truly shine, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that will elevate your dish to the next level. First off, if you’re short on time, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. It saves on cooking time and still packs in great flavor!
Don’t be shy with the spices! If you like a little extra kick, feel free to amp up the chili powder or even toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicier version. Just remember to start with a little and taste as you go—it’s easier to add than to take away!
Another great tip is to allow your chili to simmer longer if you can. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious. And don’t forget about garnishing! Fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that complements the creamy chili perfectly. Trust me, these little enhancements go a long way in making your bowl of chili unforgettable!
Variations of Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
One of the best things about cream cheese chicken chili is how flexible it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a heartier version, consider adding different beans like pinto beans or even chickpeas for a unique twist. Each bean brings its own flavor and texture, making the chili even more filling.
If you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn can add a delightful crunch and vibrant color. Just toss them in when you add the chicken, allowing them time to soften and blend with the other ingredients. For those who love a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle in adobo sauce. These spices will elevate the dish with a lovely depth.
Don’t forget about the toppings! You can mix things up by using avocado slices, shredded cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Feel free to experiment with spices, too—cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can turn up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless, so have fun creating your perfect bowl of chili!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving cream cheese chicken chili, the options are as delightful as the dish itself! I love pairing it with warm, buttery cornbread that soaks up all that creamy goodness. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the chili perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Tortilla chips are another fantastic option! They add a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping. You can even set up a little chili bar with toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocados, and sour cream, allowing everyone to customize their bowls to their liking. For presentation, consider serving the chili in rustic bowls, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. It not only looks inviting but also adds a touch of freshness that brightens the dish. Enjoying it with good company and a cozy atmosphere will make your meal unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cream cheese chicken chili properly is key to enjoying those delicious flavors later! Once the chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it will last for about 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. For reheating, you can use a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot. Enjoy that comforting bowl just like the first time!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese provides that creamy texture we love in this chili, you can experiment with other cheeses like sour cream or even a cheese blend. Just keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may change slightly.
Q2: Is this chili spicy?
The spice level of the cream cheese chicken chili can easily be adjusted! If you prefer a milder chili, start with less chili powder and leave out any hot peppers. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to taste.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, using more beans will help keep the dish filling.
Q4: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
If you want to make a dairy-free version, consider using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. There are plenty of great options available that will help mimic the creamy texture without the dairy.
Q5: What can I serve with this chili?
This cream cheese chicken chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You can also set up a toppings bar with options like avocado, cheese, and cilantro for a fun twist!
Learn more about chicken nutrition
Cream Cheese Chicken Chili: A Cozy, Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cream cheese chicken chili is a hearty dish that combines tender chicken with creamy cheese and zesty spices.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans, black beans, and corn.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Consider using shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- This dish pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cream cheese chicken chili, chicken chili recipe, creamy chili
