Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Chili
Warm up your winter evenings with this delightful and hearty Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Chili! This dish brings together the convenience of a rotisserie chicken with an array of wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously in a slow cooker. Simply shred a lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, toss in a medley of beans, spices, and veggies, and let your crockpot do the work. It’s incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust the spices and add your favorite toppings. For added richness, thicken the chili with a touch of cornstarch and water just before serving. Pair it with warm cornbread for a comforting meal that's perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. You'll savor every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon pepper rotisserie chicken
1 whole (picked thoroughly and shredded)
Yellow sweet onion
1 medium (diced)
Ground cumin
2 tablespoons
Chili powder
4 teaspoons
Canned beans (e.g., Northern white beans)
4 (16 ounce) cans
Frozen white corn
1 (16 ounce) bag
Low sodium chicken broth
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans
Diced green chilies
7 ounces
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Salt & pepper
to taste
Cornstarch
as needed
Water
as needed
Shredded Mexican cheese
optional (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large crockpot, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced onion, ground cumin, chili powder, beans, frozen white corn, low sodium chicken broth, diced green chilies, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2
Stir everything together until well mixed.
3
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 10 hours, depending on your schedule.
4
About 30 minutes before serving, mix together cornstarch with a small amount of water in a separate bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the chili, stirring well to incorporate and thicken.
5
If desired, serve warm with shredded Mexican cheese on top and cornbread on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Chili?
It is a hearty, comforting slow cooker meal made with shredded lemon pepper rotisserie chicken, beans, corn, and savory spices.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
A lemon pepper rotisserie chicken is recommended for the best flavor profile and convenience.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be thoroughly picked off the bone and shredded before being added to the crockpot.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use regular rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast, though you may want to add extra lemon pepper seasoning.
What type of beans should I use?
Northern white beans are ideal for this recipe, but other white beans like Cannellini will also work well.
How many cans of beans are needed?
The recipe calls for four 16-ounce cans of beans.
What kind of onion is recommended?
A medium yellow sweet onion, diced, is recommended for a balanced flavor.
Is this chicken chili spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili powder and diced green chilies, which can be adjusted to your taste.
How do I adjust the spice level?
You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder or green chilies to control the heat.
How long does it cook on high?
When set to high, the chili needs to cook for 4 hours.
How long does it cook on low?
If you prefer a slower cook, set the crockpot to low for 10 hours.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A tablespoon of sugar helps balance the acidity of the lemon and the heat of the spices.
How do I thicken the chili?
Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and stir it into the chili 30 minutes before serving.
When should I add the cornstarch mixture?
Add the cornstarch and water mixture about 30 minutes before you plan to serve the meal.
What kind of corn is used?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce bag of frozen white corn.
Can I use regular chicken broth?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to prevent the dish from becoming too salty, but regular broth can be used if you adjust the added salt.
What toppings are suggested?
Shredded Mexican cheese is a delicious optional topping for this chili.
What side dish goes well with this chili?
Warm cornbread is the perfect accompaniment for this creamy dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the chicken, vegetables, spices, and thickeners.
Can I make this on the stove?
While designed for a slow cooker, you can simmer it on the stove over low heat, though cooking times will vary.
Is this recipe suitable for winter?
Yes, its hearty and warm nature makes it an excellent choice for winter evenings.
Do I need to drain the beans?
The recipe implies combining the ingredients, but generally, rinsing and draining canned beans helps control sodium and texture.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of ground cumin.
What size of green chilies should I use?
You will need 7 ounces of diced green chilies.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely, you can add bell peppers or celery if you want to increase the vegetable content.
Is this a good meal for a family gathering?
Yes, it is easy to prepare in large batches and is a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well. Ensure it is completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers.
What makes this chili 'creamy'?
The combination of the bean starches and the cornstarch slurry creates a rich, creamy consistency.
Is it necessary to stir the ingredients?
Yes, stir everything together initially to ensure the spices and chicken are well distributed before cooking.