Crock-pot Cheese Chipotle Chicken Chili

At Scrumptious Style, we believe in liberating Chili from the standard recipe. I am proud to present, Crockpot Cheese Chipotle Chicken Chili. If you haven’t guessed the first week of January’s theme, let me help you…finding the perfect Chili Recipe! Brad and I had tried tag 5-ingredient easy chili and Crockpot taco chili all in the hunt for my new go-to chili recipe.

The Crockpot Cheese Chipotle Chicken Chili was surprisingly delightful. The flavors bonded well together and had some nice heat for my spice lovers. For those who are not big fans of traditional chili recipes, this is the recipe for you. It is a new twist on an old classic that can quince your cheesy Mexican craving and is ready right as you walk in the door.

Crockpot Cheese Chipotle Chicken Chili Ingredients

For Chili Base:

• 1 to 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 (14oz) cans fire roasted tomatoes
• 12 oz beer (something you love to drink. For our house, the Bud Light was in the fridge)
• 1 15oz can pinto beans
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce with roasted garlic
• 1-3 chipotle peppers in adobo, plus a little sauce (I like heat so I put 2 scoops and 3 peppers. It was spicy and delicious!)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1½ cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instruction for Crockpot Cheese Chipotle Chicken Chili

1. Place chipotle peppers and adobo sauce in blender or food processor and give a little pulse
2. Add all chili ingredients along with peppers to crock-pot
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours
4. Remove chicken and shred with 2 forks, return to crockpot
5. Begin to make the yummy cheese sauce
6. Melt butter in saucepan over medium-high heat on stove
7. Whisk in flour until smooth
8. Slowly add milk while whisking to make a smooth sauce
9. Continue whisking over medium-high heat as you bring the sauce to a simmer and it thickens enough to coat a spoon (about 3-5 minutes)
10. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until smooth
11. Add cheese sauce to crock and stir to combine well

Thanks to Crockpot Gourmet for tonight’s cheesy inspiration.