Description

This Crockpot Chipotle Queso Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken, smoky spices, creamy cheeses, and a perfect blend of spicy chipotle and smoky paprika. It’s a comforting one-pot meal ideal for chilly days, packed with protein and vibrant flavors, topped with fresh garnishes like cilantro, green onions, avocado, and Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 yellow onion, chopped
2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
2 andouille sausage links, quartered (optional)

Spices and Seasonings

1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp chipotle chili powder
2 tsp cumin
Kosher salt, to taste

Liquids and Dairy

2 cups red salsa
1 can pumpkin beer (or any beer of choice, approx. 12 oz)
6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Beans and Garnishes

1 can black beans, drained
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green onion
Avocado slices, for serving
Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chopped onion, chicken breasts or thighs, chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and kosher salt. Add the chopped red bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, diced green chilies, and quartered andouille sausage if using. Pour over the red salsa and the beer.
Cook the Chili: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken and Add Cheese and Beans: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, then stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and drained black beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully and the chili to thicken slightly.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream as desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

The andouille sausage is optional but adds a smoky depth of flavor.
You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
Adjust chipotle chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
Use full-fat cream cheese for creamier texture.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 85mg