There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of creamy, hearty cream cheese chicken chili simmering on the stove. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I love making this dish because it’s so easy, even for beginners, and it comes together in no time. Just picture it: tender chicken, creamy cheese, and that delightful blend of spices all mingling together. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a little something to lift your spirits. Plus, the best part is that you don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to whip this up. You’ll be amazed at how simple the ingredients are and how quickly they come together to create something so delicious. Trust me, once you try this cream cheese chicken chili, you’ll want to make it a regular in your dinner rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this creamy chicken chili is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Make sure to cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking throughout the chili.
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed: These add a lovely creaminess and fiber to the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: The juices from the tomatoes give the chili a rich flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. This will help the flavors shine through.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed: This is the star of the show! It gives the chili that creamy texture we all love.
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned: If you’re using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it; just toss it right in!
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works best; it adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- 1 tsp chili powder: This adds warmth and a hint of spice. Adjust to your taste!
- 1 tsp cumin: Cumin brings a lovely earthy note to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
With these ingredients prepped, you’re all set to make a delicious pot of cream cheese chicken chili!
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready to go, let’s dive into making this delicious cream cheese chicken chili! I promise, it’s super straightforward and you’ll be amazed at how easily everything comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and let it heat up for a minute. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step lays the flavor foundation for your chili!
- Brown the chicken: Next, add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. Make sure it’s cooked through; you don’t want any pink bits left. This is where you’ll get that lovely, savory flavor.
- Add your beans and liquids: Now it’s time to stir in the white beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and corn. Give everything a good mix. The broth adds moisture, and the beans help create that hearty texture we love in chili.
- Season it up: Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, then season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. This is where you can get creative! If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños!
- Bring it to a boil: Increase the heat and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!
- Finish with cream cheese: After 20 minutes, it’s time for the star of the dish! Add your cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir gently until it’s completely melted and mixed in. The chili will become creamy and luscious, just like you want!
- Final seasoning: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want it a bit more zesty, add a squeeze of lime juice. Trust me, it brightens everything up!
- Serve it up: Ladle your cream cheese chicken chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
And there you have it! A simple, creamy, and hearty cream cheese chicken chili that’s perfect for any night of the week. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious chili simmering on the stove in no time!
- Easy for Beginners: This recipe is perfect for those new to cooking, as it uses simple techniques and straightforward ingredients.
- Flavorful Taste: The combination of spices, tender chicken, and creamy cream cheese creates a hearty and comforting flavor that everyone will love.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes this chili rich and velvety, elevating it to something truly special.
- Versatile Dish: You can customize it with your favorite toppings or tweak the spices to suit your taste, making it a dish you can enjoy over and over again!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your cream cheese chicken chili turns out perfectly every time:
- Prep your ingredients: Having everything chopped and measured before you start cooking makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. No one likes the frantic search for a can opener mid-recipe!
- Don’t rush the sauté: Give your onions and garlic enough time to soften and release their flavors. This step is crucial for a delicious base.
- Check your chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. You can cut a piece in half to check if you’re unsure.
- Adjust the heat: If you want a spicier chili, don’t be shy! Add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to kick things up a notch.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer helps all the flavors blend beautifully. If you have extra time, let it cook a bit longer for an even richer taste.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this creamy, comforting dish!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit with your cream cheese chicken chili, I’ve got some fun variations for you! Let your creativity shine:
- Veggie Boost: Add in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just toss them in during the sauté step with the onion and garlic!
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with different chili powders, like smoked or chipotle, for a unique twist.
- Different Beans: Swap the white beans for black beans or chickpeas. Each type brings its own flavor and texture, making the chili even more exciting!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish. Stir them in just before serving for a fresh pop of flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top just before serving. Let it melt for a delicious finish!
Feel free to get adventurous! Each of these variations will add a new spin to your chili while keeping that comforting essence intact.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of a serving of this creamy, delicious cream cheese chicken chili. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This chili is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also packs a good punch of protein and fiber, making it a balanced choice for dinner. Plus, with a good dose of creamy goodness from the cream cheese, you won’t feel deprived!
FAQs about Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Got questions about making this creamy chicken chili? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out:
- Can I store leftovers? Absolutely! This chili stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
- How can I make it spicier? If you love heat, you can add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños during the cooking process. If you want to kick it up a notch, try a pinch of cayenne pepper!
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! You can add frozen chicken directly to the pot, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time a bit to ensure it cooks through. Just make sure to check that there’s no pink remaining.
- What if I don’t have cream cheese? If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different but still creamy texture. Just stir it in at the end!
- Can I freeze this chili? Definitely! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious cream cheese chicken chili, it’s time to think about what to serve with it! Here are some fantastic options that complement the chili perfectly:
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: These are perfect for dipping into the chili and adding a satisfying crunch. You can even sprinkle some cheese on top of the chips and pop them under the broiler for a few minutes for a cheesy treat!
- Fresh Bread: A warm, crusty loaf or some soft dinner rolls are great for mopping up all that creamy goodness. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!
- Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chili beautifully.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serving the chili over a bed of rice or quinoa adds heartiness and makes it even more filling. Plus, the grains soak up all the tasty flavors!
- Garnishes: Don’t forget to add some fun toppings like shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro right before serving. They’ll elevate your chili to the next level!
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a satisfying and complete meal that everyone will enjoy!
Cream cheese chicken chili: 7 simple steps to joy!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and hearty chicken chili with cream cheese that is easy to make and perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in white beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, corn, chili powder, and cumin.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Make sure to chop the chicken into small pieces for even cooking.
- For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer.
- You can add more spices if you like it spicier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cream cheese chicken chili, easy chicken chili, beginner chili recipe
