Creamy Chicken Chili

Ingredients

• Base:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or cream cheese for extra richness)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Spices:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
• Toppings:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In the same pot, sauté the onion until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Build the Base:
   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds.
   • Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, beans, and corn. Return the chicken to the pot.
4. Simmer:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Add the Cream:
   • Stir in the heavy cream (or cream cheese) to create a creamy base. If you prefer a thicker texture, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the pot. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the chili into bowls.
   • Top with shredded cheddar cheese, parsley or cilantro, and additional toppings like jalapeños or sour cream, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
• Pair with a fresh side salad or avocado slices.

Enjoy your cozy and creamy chicken chili!