This creamy chili is a comforting and deeply flavorful dish, ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Requiring minimal prep and a short cooking time, it delivers a surprisingly complex and rich taste. The foundation of this chili begins with sautéing a blend of aromatic onions, garlic, green bell pepper, and earthy mushrooms in butter until softened and fragrant.

This creates a flavorful base upon which the rest of the dish is built. Next, chicken stock, cream cheese, and heavy cream are added, creating a velvety smooth and luxurious broth. The mixture is brought to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.

Shredded chicken is then incorporated, along with a carefully selected blend of seasonings, and left to simmer for about ten minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and infused with the savory broth. Finally, shredded Monterey Jack cheese is stirred in, adding a melty, gooey texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the richness of the cream and butter. The seasoning is adjusted to taste, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors before serving the chili immediately.

This chili is also an excellent choice for meal prepping due to its ease of preparation and budget-friendly ingredients. Consider doubling or tripling the recipe to enjoy some for dinner and store the rest in airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, or can be frozen for up to three months for longer storage.

While not required, using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, can significantly reduce preparation time and add a subtle roasted flavor to the chili. Alternatively, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it a great way to use up any previously cooked chicken. If neither of these options are available, you can certainly cook fresh chicken specifically for this dish.

To balance the richness of the cream, cheese, and butter, consider adding fresh ingredients. Fresh cilantro, parsley, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice are all excellent additions that complement the savory flavors of this chili.