Chicken chili soup is the perfect dish for colder days. It’s hearty, warming, and packed with rich flavors, thanks to the combination of aromatic spices, juicy chicken, and tender cannellini beans.
In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare this delicious dish step by step, sure to win the hearts of your family.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Chili
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 large jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup half-and-half (a blend of milk and cream)
- 2 cans cannellini beans (15.5 oz each), drained
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans mild green chilies (4 oz each), including liquid
- 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can sweet corn (15.25 oz), drained (frozen corn can be used as an alternative)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Garnish Options
- Lime wedges
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips
- Fritos (corn chips)
- Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Creamy Chicken Chili
Prepare the Spice Blend
First, combine all the spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, mustard powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Set this blend aside—it will be key to enhancing the soup’s flavor.
Sauté the Onion and Jalapeño Pepper
In a large 4.5-quart pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and chopped jalapeño.
Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become slightly browned.
Add Garlic and Flour
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its flavor. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to evenly coat them.
Let this cook for 2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste.
Make the Soup Base
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly add the half-and-half, continuing to stir until everything is combined into a smooth soup base.
Add the Cannellini Beans
For a thicker soup, you can reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans and blend it with 1/2 cup of broth in a blender or with an immersion blender.
Once smooth, return it to the pot along with the remaining whole beans. If you prefer a brothier soup, simply add all the beans without blending.
Enhance the Flavor
Add the spice blend, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and the cans of green chilies (with liquid) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
Add Chicken and Corn
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, then place them into the pot along with the corn.
Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom. Avoid a rapid boil, as this can toughen the chicken.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and reduce the heat to low.
Add Cream Cheese
Finally, stir in the softened cream cheese and mix until it fully melts, creating a creamy consistency in the soup. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serving the Chili
Serve the chicken chili hot, preferably with cornbread and your choice of garnishes like lime wedges, avocado, sour cream, or Monterey Jack cheese.
Tips and Tricks
- Cannellini Bean Alternative: You can substitute cannellini beans with other white beans like navy beans or Great Northern beans.
- Crispy Toppings: Tortilla strips or Fritos will add a nice crunch to the soup.
- Storage: The chili can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If freezing, omit the cream cheese before freezing, and add it after reheating.
Conclusion
Creamy chicken and bean chili is a fantastic dish for any time of the year. With its tender chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy texture, it’s sure to satisfy any Tex-Mex cuisine lover. Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal full of bold flavors!