Creamy, Spicy Chicken Chili: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal
Hello fellow food lovers!
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, there's nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty chili to lift your spirits. Today, I'm excited to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: Creamy, Spicy Chicken Chili with Roasted Corn and Jalapeño. This isn't just any chili; it's a flavor explosion that's both comforting and exciting, perfect for those cozy nights in.
What Makes This Chili Special?
This chili is more than just a quick meal; it's an experience. Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness, punctuated by the sweetness of roasted corn and the spicy kick of jalapeños. It's loaded with chicken for protein, plenty of veggies, and a little cream cheese to give it that irresistible richness. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – whether you're using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
Tips for the Best Chili
- Roast Your Veggies: Roasting the corn and jalapeños brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth of flavor that you just can't get any other way. If you're in a hurry, a quick skillet roast will do the trick; otherwise a good oven roasting is perfect.
- Flavor Development: The longer this chili simmers, the better it gets. So, don't be afraid to let it hang out in the pot for a bit. The flavors will meld beautifully, creating a symphony of taste.
- Customize It: This recipe is your playground. Add more heat with extra jalapeños, toss in different beans, or adjust the cheese to your preference. This dish is incredibly forgiving and fun to experiment with.
- Don't Forget the Dippers: Serve it up with some crunchy blue corn tortilla chips for the perfect scooping experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Whether you're using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, this recipe is relatively hands-off, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of creamy cheese, spicy peppers, and sweet corn is simply divine.
- Comforting: This chili is the epitome of comfort food, guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out.
- Great Leftovers: The flavors develop over time, making this chili even better the next day!
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups salsa, divided
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 bell peppers, minced
- 1 14 ounce can corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (without ribs and seeds)
- 1 14 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces light cream cheese
- 6 ounces Pepper Jack cheese
- Cilantro, for topping
- Blue corn tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker or Instant Pot, place the chicken breasts, half of the salsa, water, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours (or in the Instant Pot for 20 minutes on high pressure).
- Roast the Veggies: While the chicken cooks, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Toss the bell peppers, corn, and jalapeño with a little oil and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 10-15 minutes until browned and slightly charred.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the pot using two forks.
- Add the Rest: Mix in the roasted peppers, corn, jalapeño, black beans, remaining salsa, and cream cheese. Stir well and allow the cream cheese to melt.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer for another 15-30 minutes until everything is smooth and melted. Just before serving, stir in the pepper jack cheese. Spoon the chili into bowls and top with cilantro and serve with blue corn tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, sour cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Pair with a side of cornbread or a fresh salad.
- Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game days!
Get Ready to Cozy Up!
This Creamy, Spicy Chicken Chili with Roasted Corn and Jalapeño is more than just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you're seeking comfort, flavor, or a little bit of both, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and prepare to indulge in a chili that's truly unforgettable.
Happy cooking, and happy eating!