Creamy Chicken Chili
This chicken chili is made by simmering tender chicken with aromatics like garlic, green chilies, and spices, resulting in a thick, creamy broth with a rich, layered flavor. The dish’s final appearance is a hearty, textured bowl of chili with chunks of chicken and a velvety sauce, often garnished with fresh herbs and served hot.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken preferably rotisserie or boiled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green chilies green chilies finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sour cream for creaminess
- to taste salt & pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped green chilies to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until it begins to smell aromatic, and the garlic is lightly golden.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and paprika, stirring constantly to toast the spices and release their fragrance, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken and drained white beans to the simmering broth. Stir well to combine and heat through for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream, creating a creamy, velvety texture in the chili. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate evenly.
- Let the chili simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and has thickened a bit more. The aroma of cumin and paprika should fill your kitchen as it nears completion.
- Turn off the heat and ladle the hot, creamy chicken chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.
Notes
Feel free to customize with additional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.