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Cheesy Chicken Chili

This cheesy chicken chili is creamy, spicy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups salsa divided
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 0.5 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
For Serving
  • cilantro for topping
  • blue corn tortilla chips for yummy dippin’

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Place the chicken breasts, 1.5 cups salsa, water, cumin, chili powder, and salt in the bowl of a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6-7 hours (or in the Instant Pot for 20 minutes on high pressure).
  2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat the peppers and corn dry with a paper towel. Place on a baking sheet with a little bit of oil. Roast for 10-15 minutes, until browned and roasty-looking.
  3. When the chicken is done, shred the meat directly in the pot using two forks. Add the roasted peppers, roasted corn and jalapeño, black beans, remaining salsa, and cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir and replace cover, allowing the cream cheese to melt. Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding another 0.5 cup of water if needed. Let the soup simmer for another 15-30 minutes until everything is smooth and melted. Just before serving, stir in the Pepper Jack cheese.
  4. Spoon chicken chili into a bowl, top with desired garnishes. Repeat with deliciousness!

Notes

This chili is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño. It's also great with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.