Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili: The Ultimate Chili Recipe
Introduction to Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, look no further than Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili. This unique twist on traditional chili incorporates succulent seafood, creamy cheese, and an array of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.
A Personal Story Behind My Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili Journey
My love for chili began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would prepare her signature recipe every Sunday. However, I wanted to create something new that would combine my passion for seafood with the comforting warmth of chili. After numerous attempts and adjustments, I finally crafted this Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili recipe. It has become a staple in my home, reminding me of family gatherings and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.
What Makes This Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it combines the heartiness of beans and broth with the luxurious flavors of crab, lobster, and shrimp. The creamy texture, thanks to the blending of cheeses and cream cheese, makes it a unique chili experience. Additionally, the homemade chili seasoning brings a perfect balance of spice and flavor, making this dish not only comforting but also a delightful culinary adventure. It’s an excellent option for those who want to elevate their chili game!
The Full Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups low-sodium broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans or navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15.5 oz) diced tomatoes and chilis, drained
- ½ cup whole kernel corn (frozen works great)
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 5 oz jumbo lump crab
- 5 oz lobster meat
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Seafood seasoning, to taste
- Homemade Chili Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pour in the broth, then add the drained beans, diced tomatoes and chilis, homemade chili seasoning, and Better Than Bouillon. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While the chili simmers, season the seafood (crab, lobster, and shrimp) with your preferred seafood seasoning to enhance its natural flavors.
- After the simmering time, uncover the pot and add the shredded cheese, corn, cream cheese, and the seasoned seafood. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the seafood is cooked through. Keep in mind that the chili will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit soupy at first!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili
This chili is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with warm, crusty bread or over a bed of rice for added texture. For a fresh twist, top it with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. If you want to add more veggies, consider tossing in bell peppers or zucchini while the chili simmers. And for those who enjoy a bit more heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili
Can I use different seafood? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood such as scallops or mussels depending on your preference and availability.
How can I make this chili spicier? You can add more cayenne pepper or even include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Can I make this chili ahead of time? Yes! This chili can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful seafood chili that’s perfect for any occasion!
Easy Creamy Seafood And Shrimp Chili
Equipment
- Dutch oven For cooking the chili.
- Stock pot Optional alternative for larger batches.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium broth vegetable or chicken
- 1 can Great Northern beans 15.5 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans 15.5 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes and chilis 15.5 oz, drained
- 0.5 cup whole kernel corn frozen works great
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor optional
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 5 oz jumbo lump crab
- 5 oz lobster meat
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 to taste seafood seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper optional for spice
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pour in the broth, then add the drained beans, diced tomatoes and chilis, homemade chili seasoning, and Better Than Bouillon. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While the chili simmers, season the seafood (crab, lobster, and shrimp) with your preferred seafood seasoning to enhance its natural flavors.
- After the simmering time, uncover the pot and add the shredded cheese, corn, cream cheese, and the seasoned seafood. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the seafood is cooked through. Keep in mind that the chili will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit soupy at first!