Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Name: Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp butter; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 3½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded; 2 (15-oz) cans white kidney beans; 3 fresh jalapeños, diced; 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

May 20, 2025

Updated:

May 20, 2025

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This Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, game days, or gatherings with friends and family. The combination of tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese makes it a standout dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Spicy: The jalapeños add a kick while balancing perfectly with the creaminess.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chili comes together quickly.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on its own, over rice, or with tortilla chips for dipping.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party dish, this chili fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing your Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili much easier. Here are some essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and helps develop rich flavors as you simmer your chili.
Whisk: Ensures your mixture is smooth when combining broth and half-and-half, preventing lumps.

Ingredients

This Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili combines the rich flavors of tender chicken, jalapeños, and creamy cheese in a spicy, satisfying chili.

Main Ingredients

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3½ cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
1 rotisserie chicken, skin removed, meat pulled off bones and chopped
2 (15-oz) cans white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and diced
2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 (8-oz) block cream cheese

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 2: Create the Base

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Keep whisking until smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Add Main Ingredients

Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, white kidney beans, diced jalapeños, onion flakes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Stir it into the chili mixture. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally until fully melted.

Step 5: Serve Your Chili

Serve hot! Garnish with additional turkey bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese if desired for extra flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Serving Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili can elevate your dining experience and bring out the best in this spicy, creamy dish. Here are some suggestions on how to serve it for maximum enjoyment.

Garnishes

Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
Avocado Slices: Add slices of avocado for a rich, buttery flavor that complements the chili.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread to soak up the chili and add a touch of sweetness.
Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth chili.
Rice: White or brown rice can be served alongside or under the chili for added texture.

How to Perfect Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Perfecting your Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your recipe.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh jalapeños and herbs to maximize flavor.
Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference; more jalapeños will result in a spicier chili.
Cook Low and Slow: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavor development; just keep an eye on it!
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for varied taste profiles.
Make It Ahead: Prepare the chili a day in advance; it often tastes better after resting overnight as flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options that complement this dish well.

Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the chili.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and balances the heat.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the chili.
Quesadillas: Cheese quesadillas can be cut into triangles for easy dipping into the chili.
Salad: A light mixed green salad brings freshness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
Baked Potatoes: Soft baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

Using too much flour: Adding excessive flour can make your chili too thick. Stick to the recipe amount to ensure a smooth consistency.
Neglecting the jalapeños: Forgetting to remove the seeds from jalapeños can lead to an overly spicy dish. Always deseed them for a balanced flavor.
Overcooking the cream cheese: If you cook the cream cheese too long, it may curdle. Stir it in at the end and heat until just melted.
Skipping salt and pepper: Under-seasoning can dull flavors. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for a more vibrant chili.
Using pre-cooked chicken incorrectly: If your chicken isn’t shredded properly, it won’t blend well into the chili. Ensure it’s finely shredded for even distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Divide into portions for easy thawing and reheating.

Reheating Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each until hot.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this chicken jalapeño popper chili a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use equal parts milk and heavy cream as a substitute without sacrificing creaminess.

How spicy is this Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili?

The spice level is adjustable based on how many jalapeños you include. For less heat, use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like corn or bell peppers or use different beans based on your preference.

What sides pair well with Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili?

This chili goes great with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Jalapeño Popper Chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting spice levels or adding different ingredients. Whether it’s a chilly night or a gathering with friends, this comforting dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and explore your own variations!

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