If you’re craving something that brings together creamy comfort and a little spicy kick, the Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe is here to wow your taste buds. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and a luscious Alfredo sauce base, creating a unique chili experience that will quickly become a favorite on your dinner rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packs just the right amount of warmth—perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors, creaminess, and spice. Together, they create a chili that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.
- 3 (15.5-oz) cans great northern beans: These beans provide a creamy texture and hearty base for the chili, soaking up all the fantastic flavors.
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast: Tender protein that makes this chili filling and satisfying.
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: The secret to that rich, creamy texture that sets this chili apart from the traditional kinds.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps keep the chili perfectly saucy without getting too thick.
- 1½ cups frozen corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor and a nice pop of texture throughout the chili.
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese: Melts beautifully into the chili and adds a pleasant spicy kick.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spices and enriches the overall dish.
- 2 Tbsp minced onion flakes: Brings subtle sweetness and savory depth that blends seamlessly.
- 2 (4-oz) cans diced green chilies: Introduces a mild heat and a bit of tangy brightness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chili with warm, fragrant undertones.
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky spice that defines the chili’s character.
- 1½ tsp white pepper: Adds gentle heat with a slightly different flavor profile than black pepper.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like an extra punch of heat, this is your go-to.
- Salt, to taste: The final touch that ties all these brightness and creaminess elements together.
How to Make Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large Dutch oven and toss in the great northern beans (rinsed and drained), cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, frozen corn, pepper jack cheese, sour cream, minced onion flakes, diced green chilies, minced garlic, cumin, white pepper, cayenne pepper if you’re feeling bold, and salt. This is where the magic of flavor blending begins, so make sure everything is evenly stirred together.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat on medium-high and bring your mixture to a gentle boil. This step ensures that all ingredients start to meld and the cheese begins to melt into the sauce, creating that wonderfully creamy consistency.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let your chili simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help flavors deepen and intermingle. This simmering time is crucial for the Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe because it lets the spices and richness develop a full-bodied and luxurious taste.
How to Serve Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or crema, and maybe a few slices of ripe avocado. A handful of tortilla chips or a little shredded cheddar cheese on top can add an exciting crunch and extra melty goodness.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last creamy bite. For a Tex-Mex vibe, serve with Mexican rice or even a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy gathering, serve the Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls or even over a baked potato. You can also use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for nachos, giving a fun twist to a classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe’s creamy base holds up well, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner option.
Reheating
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick. It’s just as luscious the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of pepper jack?
Absolutely! While pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick, you can substitute it with mozzarella for creaminess or cheddar for a sharper taste without losing the essence of the Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding extra beans or veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for bulk and texture.
How spicy is the Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, especially with the green chilies and optional cayenne pepper, so you can adjust the spice to your liking by increasing or reducing the cayenne or omitting it.
Can this chili be made in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add cheese and sour cream in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling and maintain creamy texture.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers taste great warmed up with a fresh squeeze of lime and extra toppings such as avocado slices or crunchy tortilla chips. It’s also perfect as a hearty lunch option the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe that makes it a standout in comfort food territory—creamy, cheesy, and packed with just enough spice to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or feeding friends and family, this dish is guaranteed to feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to chili recipe!
Print
Alfredo Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup/Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and spicy Alfredo Chicken Chili combining tender chicken, northern beans, and a rich Alfredo sauce base, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 (15.5-oz) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups frozen corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp minced onion flakes
- 2 (4-oz) cans diced green chilies
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large Dutch oven, add the rinsed and drained great northern beans, chopped cooked chicken breast, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, frozen corn kernels, shredded pepper jack cheese, sour cream, minced onion flakes, diced green chilies, minced garlic, ground cumin, white pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to taste. Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.
- Bring to Boil: Place the Dutch oven over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This allows all the flavors to start blending and the cheese to begin melting.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the Dutch oven. Let the chili simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the flavors meld together fully.
- Serve: After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a hearty main dish, perfect with cornbread or over rice if preferred.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; add it to control the spice level according to your taste.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent burning on the bottom.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
