Chef Mitchell preparing Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili during a family gathering in Mexico. The unique blend of spices and creaminess struck a chord with my taste buds. After many attempts, I perfected the recipe to encapsulate every essence of that memorable meal. Now, it’s a staple at my dinner table!"

With over a decade of experience in Mexican cuisine, I specialize in creating authentic and flavorful dishes. My passion for dinner recipes drives me to explore traditional ingredients and techniques, ensuring every meal is memorable. I love sharing these culinary experiences with others!

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili served on a plate

Why This Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili Recipe Works

This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy textures, and spicy jalapeños to create a unique chili experience. The use of white beans adds heartiness, while the heavy cream delivers a rich flavor profile that sets it apart from typical chili recipes. It’s a delightful blend of comfort food and spice.

The technique of browning the chicken adds depth to the flavor, while simmering the ingredients allows their flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a chili that is both comforting and exciting for your taste buds, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of lime juice before serving. These simple additions can elevate your dish, giving it a unique twist while enhancing the overall taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make this chili ahead of time! Allow it to cool completely after cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat on the stove before serving.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. These substitutes will still give you a creamy texture without compromising too much on flavor.

The chili is done when the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, and the flavors have melded together beautifully. You can check the chicken's doneness by ensuring it's no longer pink in the center and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Absolutely! This chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat up on the stove until warm.

This chili pairs perfectly with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream to balance the spiciness.

Stored in an airtight container, this chili will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before consuming to enjoy its full flavor.

Yes, making it in advance is a great idea! It allows the flavors to develop and deepen. Just prepare it as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

To reheat, transfer the chili to a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the consistency if it thickens too much during refrigeration.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your chili is too dry, it may need more liquid.

Solution: Add a bit more chicken broth or heavy cream to bring back the desired consistency without compromising flavor.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the chicken doesn’t have a crispy exterior, it may not have been browned enough.

Solution: Ensure to brown the chicken well in the butter before adding other ingredients for that nice crispy texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the chicken is overcooked, it may be dry and tough.

Prevention: To prevent this, cook the chicken until just done and then remove it from heat immediately to keep it moist.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If you find the chicken is undercooked in the center, it needs more time.

Recovery: Return the chili to the heat and simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the bottom of the chili burns, it can impart an unpleasant flavor.

Prevention: Cook over lower heat and stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your chili is too sweet, balance it out with a squeeze of lime juice or vinegar.

Too Salty: If it’s too salty, add more beans or a potato to absorb some saltiness.

Bland: To fix bland chili, add more spices, such as cumin or chili powder, to enhance the flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients for Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili

Key ingredients like fresh jalapeños and tender chicken create a flavor-packed chili. The combination of spices ensures a hearty and satisfying dish. Each element plays a crucial role in achieving that creamy and comforting texture.

Using high-quality ingredients, from organic chicken to fresh vegetables, makes a significant difference in flavor. Always choose the freshest jalapeños and beans to ensure maximum taste and nutrition in your chili.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a tender texture. Thighs are particularly flavorful, making them a great choice for this chili.
  • Jalapeños: Choose firm, bright green jalapeños for the best flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance, and consider leaving some seeds for extra heat.
  • Heavy Cream: Use high-quality heavy cream for the richest flavor. If you prefer a lighter alternative, coconut cream can provide a similar texture without the dairy.
Cooking process for Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This chili is made in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The method of sautéing the chicken and vegetables together infuses the dish with flavor right from the start.

Ensure to simmer the chili adequately to allow the flavors to meld together completely. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy and well-balanced taste.

Key Technique for Perfect Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili

Browning the chicken properly before adding the other ingredients is essential. This step builds a deep flavor base that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For creaminess
  • 1 tsp cumin
    For warmth
  • 1 tsp chili powder
    For spice

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 1 large onion
    Diced
  • 4 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 2 jalapeños
    Seeded and chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
    With green chilies
  • 2 cans white beans
    Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
    For moisture
  • 1 cup corn
    Frozen or canned

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Start by prepping all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into pieces, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the jalapeños.

  2. Cook Chicken

    In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

  3. Add Vegetables

    Stir in the onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

  4. Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes

    Add the diced tomatoes, white beans, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.

  5. Season the Chili

    Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.

  6. Add Cream and Corn

    Pour in the heavy cream and add the corn. Stir to mix and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

  7. Serve

    Once done, remove from heat and serve hot. Top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro.

  8. Enjoy

    Enjoy your Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili with your favorite sides!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store your Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Chili with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice. Adding a dollop of sour cream or avocado can enhance the dish even further.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this chili by adding different beans, such as black beans or kidney beans. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add more vegetables for added nutrition.