There's something magical about the combination of cheese, chicken, and the spicy kick of chili. Whether it's a chilly evening or you're just craving a comforting meal, cheesy chicken chili recipes offer warmth, flavor, and the perfect amount of heat. Here, we dive into five delicious variations that promise to delight your taste buds, bring comfort to your dinner table, and maybe even become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
1. Classic Cheesy Chicken Chili
If you’re looking for a time-honored recipe, the Classic Cheesy Chicken Chili is the epitome of comfort food. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 packet of chili seasoning
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
To prepare:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in a large pot until cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they turn translucent.
- Add tomatoes, beans, chili seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, return chicken to the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve with your choice of garnishes.
2. White Chicken Chili with Cheesy Twist
This recipe gives a unique spin with a lighter, creamier base:
- 1 lb shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 can cannellini beans
- 1 can green chilies
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
Here’s how to make it:
- In a large pot, cook onion until translucent.
- Add spices, beans, chilies, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add shredded chicken, cream cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, then garnish with remaining cheese before serving.
3. Spicy Cheesy Chicken Chili
For those who prefer a kick:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 can of fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can each of pinto and kidney beans
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
To make this spicy variation:
- Brown the ground chicken with chili powder and jalapeño.
- Add tomatoes, beans, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, mix in shredded cheese.
4. Cheesy Chicken Chili Verde
A delicious blend of chicken, tomatillos, and cheese:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 lb tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 2 poblano peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can white hominy
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
To create this chili verde:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook in a pot until browned.
- Add tomatillos, peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until vegetables soften.
- Add hominy, cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Stir in cheese before serving.
🌟 Note: Don't forget to adjust the level of heat with the peppers to suit your taste buds!
5. Creamy Cheesy Chicken Chili
Perfect for those cozy nights:
- 1 lb chicken, cubed
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1 can each of black beans and corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
To prepare this creamy delight:
- Sauté chicken until browned.
- Add corn, beans, seasoning, and stir.
- Add cream cheese and pepper jack cheese, cook until melted and creamy.
- Simmer until flavors combine, serve hot.
All these cheesy chicken chili recipes offer unique flavors, textures, and heat levels. They're versatile, allowing for adjustments based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what's available in your pantry. From the comforting, classic to the zesty and spicy, each recipe brings something special to the table. Whether you're serving them for a family dinner, at a potluck, or just as a comfort meal for one, these dishes are sure to satisfy and bring a sense of warmth and community.
These recipes not only cater to different tastes but also showcase the diverse ways in which chicken, cheese, and chili can be combined. They encourage culinary creativity, offering bases that can be tweaked with different spices, beans, or even additional ingredients like different types of cheese or herbs for added flair.
Can I make these chili recipes vegetarian?
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Absolutely! Substitute chicken with extra beans, corn, or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese can still be used as a topping for the creamy and cheesy flavors.
How can I thicken my chili?
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To thicken your chili, try adding a roux made from flour and butter, mashing some of the beans before adding them, or simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid. Cornmeal or masa harina can also be sprinkled in for a slight thickening effect.
What cheese works best for these chili recipes?
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While cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are commonly used, you can also experiment with cheeses like gouda, queso fresco, or even a mix to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
How long can I store leftovers?
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Chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Related Terms:
- receipt jelly with cheese
- Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese
- Pepper jelly
- Brie Bites
- Parmesan Bread Bites
- Cheese Ball Bites
