Queso Chicken Chili Recipe

why make this recipe

Queso Chicken Chili is a delightful and easy dish to prepare. It combines tender chicken with creamy cheese, black beans, and a kick from jalapeños. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it warms you up and fills you up, making it perfect for chilly days!

how to make Queso Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 can of black beans
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup roasted corn
  • 2 jalapeños, diced
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Directions:

  1. In the Instant Pot or slow cooker, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
  2. Add the chicken breasts, black beans, diced tomatoes, roasted corn, jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth.
  4. For the Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  5. Once done, shred the chicken in the pot and stir in the Pepper Jack cheese until melted.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy!

how to serve Queso Chicken Chili

Serve Queso Chicken Chili hot, garnished with additional cheese, fresh cilantro, or sour cream if desired. You can pair it with tortilla chips, rice, or cornbread for a complete meal.

how to store Queso Chicken Chili

Store leftover Queso Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just ensure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

tips to make Queso Chicken Chili

  • Use fresh jalapeños for more heat or remove the seeds for a milder dish.
  • For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in the spices for an hour before cooking.
  • Use a mix of cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Cheddar, for different flavors.

variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with extra beans or chickpeas.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, but increase the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Can I make this dish on the stovetop?

Absolutely! Just sauté the onions and garlic in a pot, then add the other ingredients and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on how many jalapeños you use and whether you include seeds. Adjust it to fit your taste!

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Queso Chicken Chili

A delightful and easy dish combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, black beans, and a kick from jalapeños, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 2 breasts 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 can 1 can of black beans
  • 1 can 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup 1 cup roasted corn
  • 2 2 jalapeños, diced You can remove the seeds for a milder dish.
  • 1 cup 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded Can mix with other cheeses for varied flavor.
  • 1 onion 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In the Instant Pot or slow cooker, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
  • Add the chicken breasts, black beans, diced tomatoes, roasted corn, jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour in the chicken broth.

Cooking

  • For the Instant Pot, seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • For the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • Once done, shred the chicken in the pot and stir in the Pepper Jack cheese until melted.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, fresh cilantro, or sour cream. Pair with tortilla chips, rice, or cornbread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to three months.
Keyword Chicken Chili, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Queso Chicken Chili, slow cooker

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