Name: Crack Chicken Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup chicken broth

What is something amazing? Imagine the warm, cheesy goodness of crack chicken but in chili form. I know, right? What is the best way to warm up on a cold night with Crack Chicken Chili? What’s for dinner? All rolled into one. Is it easier to throw together than my grandmother’s famous Chicken Noodle Soup? How much I love that one. What are some good recipes to make with this recipe?

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What is crack chicken chili?

What exactly is Crack Chicken Chili? What’s essentially a creamy, Cheesy Chicken chili kicked up the notch with all the flavors that make it delicious. What makes crack chicken so addictive? What’s a traditional chili? What is it like to make a sandwich? What is the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at any gathering, and everyone always asks for the dish. Even my picky eater nephew eats it!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love Crack Chicken Chili? What are some of the best flavors in the world? The creamy cheese combined with smoky bacon, the tangy ranch, and the tender chicken is a must try. What is a symphony of deliciousness in your mouth? Is it like a party in your bowl? What are some of the best recipes to cook on a busy weeknight? I swear, it’s faster than ordering takeout! Plus, they’re incredibly cost-effective. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What I love the most about this dish is its versatility – you can serve it as a main course, an appetizer, or even as an entree. As a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. Is it better than regular chili? If you love a good, hearty, flavorful chili but want something different, this is the recipe for you.

How do I make crack chicken chili?

Quick Overview

How do I make crack chicken chili? First, you’ll cook your Chicken and bacon. If you’re cooking in a Slow Cooker, put all the ingredients in the pot and let it cook for 5 minutes. Then, add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine. What are some good ways to make a creamy soup? What is the hardest part of waiting for it to be ready? Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you – it’s mostly pantry staples. And the result? What are some of the best chilies that will have everyone begging for more?

Ingredients

For the chicken:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I usually grab these at the store, but sometimes I use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. * 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken; you can also use butter for extra flavor. * 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken. * 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a nice crunch. What is the best way to add a little kick

For the Chili:
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled: Use your favorite kind! I love thick-cut bacon for this. What are some good ways to cook onion in a skillet? What are some good ways to use yellow onions? What’s better with garlic? Is it good to have 1 can of great northern beans, rinsed and drained? What are some of the best bean varieties? * 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel): Adds a touch of spice and acidity. * 1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened: What is the secret ingredient that makes it creamy? * 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the chili. * 1 packet ranch dressing mix: The classic crack chicken flavor! * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that cheesy goodness! Can you use any cheese you like – Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or even a blend?

For Garnish (optional)
* Sour Cream: Adds a cool and tangy contrast to the rich chili. * Green onions, chopped: For a pop of freshness and color. * Extra shredded cheese: Why can’t you have too much cheese?

How do I follow

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season Chicken Breasts with salt and pepper. How long should you cook chicken? Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it with two forks. I sometimes skip the skillet altogether and just toss the chicken breasts into my Instant Pot. How long does it take for a How do I release the pressure and shred?

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy. Drain off the excess grease and crumble it. How do I cook bacon in the oven? I like to bake strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What is the best way to burn garlic?

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, great northern beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and stir to combine. Add Cream Cheese, chicken broth, and ranch dressing mix to a pot. Cover and set aside. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!

Step 6: Add Cheese

Stir in the cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, green onions, extra shredded cheese, and crumbling bacon, if desired. I love adding crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of guacamole for extra texture.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good side dishes to serve with this Crack Chicken Chili?

For a casual dinner:Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. A simple salad also complements the richness of the chili. What’s a good salad with some fresh fruit?

For a Party:What are some good toppings for sour cream? Set up a chili bar and let your guests customize their own bowls!

For Game Day:What is a good appetizer to serve over nachos? What is a touchdown dip? My family loves it best with homemade cheesy garlic bread – the perfect for soaking up all that goodness. What are some creamy goodness Is it worth it to try it? What is comfort food at its finest?

How do I make crack chicken chili?

What are some tricks to make crack chicken chili even better?

Bacon Prep:If you want crispy bacon, cook it in the oven instead of frying it. It’s less messy and easier to control the doneness. If you are feeling adventurous, try using different flavors of bacon, like maple or jalapeno bacon. For a unique twist.

Chicken Perfection: HowDon’t overcook the chicken, or it will be dry. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, add it towards the end of the cooking process to make it easier to cook. How do you prevent a plant from drying out? I always make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

What is cheese, pleaseWhy use high quality cheese? Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. I shred my cheese right off the block. What are the best cheeses to make for a cheese lover?

Cream Cheese Consistency:Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the chili. How do you melt a metal? If you forget to soften it, you can microwave it for a few seconds until it’s soft. Cut it into cubes to make it easier to melt.

Spice It Up:If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chili. Can you substitute diced tomatoes for green chilies? Start with a small amount and taste as you go, to make sure you don’t make it too spicy!

Flavor Boost:Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or 1 teaspoon of smoked sausage for an extra layer of flavor. How can I add paprika to a What are some of the best savory ingredients to add to a dish? I’ve even experimented with a splash of beer! (Just make sure it’s not super hoppy).

What are some tips for Storing and Reheating

Can you make crack chicken chili the next day?

Room Temperature:Do not leave out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 oF.

Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do you store leftover chili in the refrigerator? Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating. Is it necessary to add a little broth when reheating?

How do I use For longer storage, freeze the chili in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious. Portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches!

Reheating Tips: Reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent hot spots. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the chili is too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this chili gluten-free by ensuring that your ranch dressing mix is gluten-free. Most brands are, but it’s always best to check the label. Also, double-check the labels on your other ingredients to make sure they don’t contain any hidden gluten. Serve with gluten-free cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete gluten-free meal.

Do I need to drain the beans?

Yes, it’s important to rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the chili. This helps remove excess starch and sodium, which can affect the flavor and texture of the chili. I always give them a good rinse under cold water.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this chili in a slow cooker, cook the bacon and sauté the onion and garlic as directed. Then, add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!

Can I use a different kind of bean?

Yes, you can substitute the great northern beans with any kind of bean you like. Pinto beans, kidney beans, or black beans would all work well in this chili. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the chili will be slightly different depending on the type of bean you use.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still add creaminess to the chili. Use the same amount as the cream cheese called for in the recipe. I’ve even tried it with Neufchatel cheese – it’s lighter but still gives that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my absolutely irresistible Crack Chicken Chili! It’s the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this chili is sure to satisfy. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other chili recipes for more delicious comfort food ideas! And please, let me know in the comments below how yours turns out! Did you add any special toppings? Did your family love it as much as mine does? Happy cooking!

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