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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate rotisserie chicken, white kidney beans, jalapenos, onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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