Creamy Jalapeno Popper Chili Recipe: Spicy Comfort in a Bowl

Spice lovers rejoice as this jalapeno popper chili recipe brings a fiery twist to your comfort food repertoire.

creamy, bold, and packed with unexpected flavor, this chili combines the classic warmth of traditional recipes with a zesty kick.

Chunks of tender meat mingle with melted cheese and crisp jalapeño bits, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each spoonful promises a delightful dance of heat and richness that will awaken your taste buds.

The secret lies in balancing the pepper’s sharp intensity with smooth, velvety cheese and hearty protein.

Comfort meets excitement in this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this unforgettable chili.

Why Popper Chili Makes Cold Nights Better

• Dive into a flavor explosion that transforms traditional chili with a jalapeno popper twist, delivering a creamy, zesty experience that tingles your taste buds.
• Leverage rotisserie chicken and simple pantry ingredients to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Personalize this chili with optional toppings like crispy bacon, extra cheese, or additional jalapenos, making it adaptable for different spice preferences and hunger levels.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that combines convenience, rich flavors, and minimal dishwashing, allowing more time to enjoy your delicious meal.

Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken Jalapeno Chili

• Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked chicken that adds rich flavor and saves preparation time.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, smooth texture and rich tangy base for the chili.
• White Kidney Beans: Adds protein and creates a hearty, filling base for the chili.

• Jalapenos, Onion Flakes, Garlic Powder: Delivers a robust and zesty flavor profile with a spicy kick.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Enhances the depth and warmth of the chili's overall taste.

• Butter, Flour: Creates a roux that thickens and enriches the chili's base.
• Chicken Broth, Half-and-Half: Provides a creamy, smooth liquid foundation for the chili.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons and balances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Bacon, Pepper Jack Cheese, Additional Jalapenos: Adds extra texture, flavor, and visual appeal when serving.

All the Tools Needed for Easy Chili Prep

• Dutch Oven: Heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and creating rich, even heat for the chili.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour, creating a lump-free base, and mixing liquids.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping jalapenos and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing jalapenos and cutting cream cheese into small cubes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like spices and liquids.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring chili and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.

Directions for Thick, Hearty Popper Chili

Step 1: Create Flavorful Base

Grab a Dutch oven and melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk vigorously for two minutes.

This process develops a rich, nutty foundation and eliminates any raw flour taste.

Step 2: Build Smooth Liquid Layer

Slowly pour in chicken broth and half-and-half while continuously whisking.

Keep stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Bring the liquid to a boil and let it simmer for two minutes, allowing it to thicken naturally.

Step 3: Introduce Hearty Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken, chopped
• White kidney beans
• Diced jalapenos
• Onion flakes
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Element

Cut cream cheese into small cubes and fold into the chili.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch the cream cheese melt and integrate completely, creating a luxurious texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

Top with optional garnishes like crispy bacon bits, extra diced jalapenos, and pepper jack cheese to elevate the flavor profile.

Chili Tips for Extra Richness and Flavor

• Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent lumps and develop a rich, nutty flavor base for the chili.
• Cut cream cheese into small cubes for faster, more even melting throughout the chili.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity to match your heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Easily substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled chicken, shredded turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives for versatility.
• Top with crispy bacon bits, fresh jalapeno slices, and melted pepper jack cheese to enhance texture and flavor complexity.

Tasty Chili Variations to Suit Any Taste

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains creamy texture and spicy flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Substitute white kidney beans with cauliflower florets and use heavy cream instead of half-and-half to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping rich, creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of half-and-half and replace cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mild Pepper Version: Reduce jalapeno quantity or swap with roasted green chiles for a less spicy option that still delivers robust flavor profile for those with sensitive palates.

Ways to Serve Jalapeno Popper Chili Creatively

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange the chili in large, rustic bowls with crispy bacon bits scattered on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
• Jalapeño Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra fresh jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for an intense spicy kick that elevates the chili's heat profile.
• Comfort Bread Companion: Serve alongside warm, buttered cornbread or crusty sourdough slices to soak up the creamy, rich chili sauce.
• Cooling Sidekick Strategy: Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped cilantro to balance the spiciness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Keeping Chili Fresh the Next Day

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Pour chili into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from traditional chili recipes?

This chili combines the creamy texture of jalapeno poppers with classic chili ingredients, creating a unique fusion that’s both spicy and rich with cream cheese and rotisserie chicken.

• Is this chili very spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapenos. The recipe uses diced jalapenos, but you can reduce or remove them for a milder version, or add more for extra heat.

• Can I use other types of beans?

While the recipe calls for white kidney beans, you can substitute with cannellini beans or great northern beans without significantly changing the overall flavor profile.

Jalapeno Popper Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy jalapeño popper chili delivers a flavor-packed punch of creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky bacon and zesty peppers. Home cooks will savor this hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Beans:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat pulled off bones and chopped
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 fresh jalapenos, seeds removed and diced

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour undertones, creating a smooth roux.
2. Gradually pour chicken broth and half-and-half into the roux, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
3. Incorporate rotisserie chicken, white kidney beans, jalapenos, onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Dice cream cheese into small cubes and fold into the simmering chili. Cook for 10-15 minutes at medium-low heat, stirring periodically until cream cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly.
5. Transfer the chili to serving bowls while piping hot. Optional: Crown with crispy bacon crumbles, fresh jalapeno slices, and shredded pepper jack cheese for an extra flavor explosion.

Notes

• Customize Heat Levels adjust the spiciness by removing jalapeno seeds or using milder peppers for a gentler kick.
• Cream Cheese Melting tip cut cream cheese into small cubes and let them sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth integration.
• Protein Swap options use shredded turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Make-Ahead Strategy prepare chili base a day ahead and reheat, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg