Fiery Queso Chicken Chili Recipe: Bold Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets heat in this mouthwatering spicy queso chicken chili that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Cold evenings call for a hearty bowl of warmth and flavor packed with tender chicken and creamy cheese.

Melted queso transforms this classic chili into an irresistible comfort dish that packs a serious punch.

Robust spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of bold flavors that make this recipe stand out from traditional chili preparations.

The combination of protein-rich chicken and velvety cheese creates a satisfying meal that fills you up without weighing you down.

Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, this chili turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such a remarkable and memorable meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 6

Everything You Need for Queso Chicken Chili

• Onion: Builds a sweet, savory foundation with deep caramelized undertones.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and bright, tangy southwestern character.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, warm undertones typical of authentic chili recipes.
• Chili Powder: Delivers classic spicy warmth and rich red pepper notes.
• Paprika: Contributes gentle smokiness and vibrant color to the chili.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances overall seasoning profile.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs spices and adds hearty texture.
• White Beans: Creamy, protein-packed element that creates substantial body.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes that introduce moisture and tang.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and intensifies savory chicken flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, silky texture with tangy undertones.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty richness and classic cheese flavor.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Introduces spicy, creamy dimension for extra kick.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for supreme richness and smoothness.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, herbaceous finishing touch.
• Jalapeño Slices: Provides extra heat for spice enthusiasts.
• Tortilla Chips: Adds delightful crunch and textural contrast.

Tools to Tackle Queso Chicken Chili

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing and simmering the chili with ample space.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps dice onions and prepare garnishes cleanly.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with cumin, chili powder, and salt.
• Ladle: Great for serving the chili into individual bowls smoothly.
• Can opener: Useful for opening Rotel and bean cans if needed.

How to Make Queso Chicken Chili

• Warm Up the Pan

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame, creating a sizzling cooking surface.

• Soften the Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and tender, releasing their sweet fragrance.

• Spice It Up

Sprinkle in garlic, green chiles, and a blend of warming spices, stirring to awaken their deep, rich flavors.

• Build the Hearty Base

Introduce shredded chicken, white beans, and diced tomatoes, then pour in chicken broth to create a robust foundation.

• Simmer and Meld

Let the mixture bubble gently, allowing all ingredients to dance and blend their flavors together.

• Create the Creamy Queso Magic

Stir in cream cheese until it melts into a silky smooth texture, then fold in shredded cheese for extra decadence.

• Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and crown with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, or crunchy tortilla chips for a final flourish.

Queso Chicken Chili: Tricks and Variations

• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free melting without breaking the sauce.
• Prepare the chili base a day ahead and add cheese just before serving to maintain optimal consistency and flavor intensity.
• Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based protein crumbles for flexible protein options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes, removing jalapeno seeds, or adding extra green chiles for those who love bold flavors.
• Skip tortilla chips and serve over cauliflower rice or with low-carb vegetable noodles to create a keto-friendly version of this hearty dish.

Serving Queso Chicken Chili in Style

• Party Plate Presentation: Create a festive spread by arranging the chili in a large, colorful ceramic bowl surrounded by crispy tortilla chips, fresh lime wedges, and a small side of extra shredded cheese for guests to customize their portions.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the queso chicken chili in deep, warm ceramic mugs for a rustic, comforting feel that makes each serving feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Set up a toppings bar with small bowls of diced avocado, sour cream, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon bits, and different hot sauces so everyone can build their perfect bowl of chili.
• Meal Companion Delight: Pair the chili with warm cornbread, a fresh garden salad, or crispy quesadilla wedges to transform this dish into a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling happy and full.

Storing and Planning with Queso Chicken Chili

• Cook a double batch and refrigerate portions in airtight containers for quick lunches during busy workweeks.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, storing up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Store leftover chili in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when scooping to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm slowly on stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if chili seems thick. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and maintain creamy texture.

Spicy Queso Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Spicy and comforting, Queso Chicken Chili brings Mexican-inspired warmth to dinner tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Creamy melted cheese and tender chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses in one delicious bowl.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz/285 g) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 (4 oz/113 g) can diced green chiles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, jalapenos, or tortilla strips (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté onions until translucent, then incorporate garlic, green chiles, and spice blend (cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper) to awaken their robust flavors.
2. Protein and Liquid Fusion: Introduce shredded chicken, white beans, Rotel tomatoes, and chicken broth into the seasoned mixture. Allow the combination to gently simmer, melding flavors and creating a harmonious base.
3. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate cream cheese, stirring until completely dissolved, then fold in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese. Pour heavy cream to elevate the luxurious texture and richness of the chili.
4. Serving Finale: Transfer the queso-infused chili into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño slices, crispy crushed tortilla chips, or a zesty hot sauce drizzle to enhance the dish’s complexity and visual appeal.

Notes

• Shred chicken evenly and thoroughly to ensure consistent texture and flavor distribution throughout the chili.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities based on personal heat preference; start conservatively and taste-test during cooking.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir gradually to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, silky consistency.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk alternatives for lighter versions; use low-fat cheese for reduced-calorie adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg