Marry Me Chicken Chili Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes in a rich chicken broth. This hearty chili is infused with sautéed aromatics and a blend of cheeses for a unique twist on traditional chili, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 poblano pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Cheese & Beans
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and poblano peppers and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot along with the chicken stock, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside on a large plate. Lower the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese to the pot. Cover with a lid and allow the cream cheese to melt slowly. While the cream cheese is melting, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Simmer the Chili: Once the cream cheese has melted, whisk the mixture in the pot thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the drained cannellini beans, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chili hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or cilantro, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or a mix of both depending on preference.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated to avoid lumps in the chili.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For added spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a jalapeño pepper along with the poblano.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Chili, creamy chicken chili, chicken and beans chili, easy stovetop chili, comforting chicken recipe