Description
This Crockpot Chipotle Queso Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, smoky chipotle spices, creamy cheeses, and a medley of peppers and beans. Perfect for cozy dinners, it can be made effortlessly in a slow cooker, stovetop, or instant pot, offering flexibility and rich, comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spices
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- Kosher salt, to taste
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies
- 2 andouille sausage links, quartered (optional)
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 cups red salsa
- 1 can or bottle (12 ounces) pumpkin beer (or beer of choice)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- Avocado slices, for serving
- Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in crockpot: In the bowl of your crockpot, add chopped onion, chicken, chili powder, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. Season well with kosher salt. Add chopped red bell peppers, pickled jalapeños, diced green chilies, and andouille sausage if using. Pour the red salsa and pumpkin beer over the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours.
- Shred chicken and add cheeses: Once cooking is complete, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and drained black beans. Continue cooking until the cheeses melt, about 5 minutes.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with greek yogurt or sour cream, extra cheese, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, and green onions as desired. Enjoy the warming, smoky flavors!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of chipotle chili powder or add more pickled jalapeños.
- The andouille sausage is optional but adds a nice smoky depth.
- If using stovetop or instant pot methods, adjust cooking time accordingly and follow the respective instructions for best results.
- Substitute pumpkin beer with any preferred beer or even chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 4 days and also freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
