Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili Recipe

Introduction

Experience the comforting warmth of this Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili, a flavorful twist on traditional chili packed with tender shrimp, crab, and lobster. Creamy cheese and a blend of spices make this dish a delightful seafood stew perfect for any night.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15.5 oz) diced tomatoes with chilis, drained
• ½ cup whole kernel corn (frozen)
• 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 5 oz lump crab meat
• 5 oz lobster meat
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Seafood seasoning, chili powder, cumin, red cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, Great Northern beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with chilis. Mix well to combine.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Step 5: While the chili simmers, season the crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp with seafood seasoning, chili powder, cumin, red cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
6. Step 6: Stir in shredded cheese, frozen corn, cream cheese, and the seasoned seafood into the pot.
7. Step 7: Increase heat back to medium and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until the seafood is fully cooked and the cheese has melted.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen works well if thawed properly.
• For a spicier chili, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Substitute cream cheese with sour cream for a tangier finish.
• Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. Avoid freezing, as the cream cheese and seafood texture may be affected.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood?

Yes, you can substitute crab and lobster with scallops, clams, or firm white fish like cod. Adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking.

Is this chili suitable for meal prep?

This chili keeps well in the refrigerator and can be an excellent option for meal prep, but it is best enjoyed within a few days to maintain the seafood’s texture and flavor.

Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 144 reviews

This Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, lump crab, and lobster meat with creamy cheeses and a blend of beans and spices. Simmered to perfection in a Dutch oven, this chili offers a delightful mix of textures and a rich, savory taste, perfect for a comforting meal that elevates traditional chili with a luxurious seafood twist.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (15.5 oz) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15.5 oz) diced tomatoes with chilis, drained
• ½ cup whole kernel corn, frozen

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 oz cream cheese

Seafood

• 5 oz lump crab
• 5 oz lobster meat
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Seasonings

• Seafood seasoning (to taste)
• Chili powder (to taste)
• Cumin (to taste)
• Red cayenne pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine Base Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, drained Great Northern beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with chilis. Stir everything together well to combine the flavors evenly.
4. Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the Dutch oven, and let the mixture simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to develop depth.
5. Prepare and Season Seafood: While the chili simmers, season the lump crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp with seafood seasoning, chili powder, cumin, red cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
6. Add Cheese and Seafood: Stir in the shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, frozen corn, cream cheese, and the seasoned lump crab, lobster meat, and shrimp into the simmering chili.
7. Cook Seafood: Increase the heat back to medium and cook the chili for an additional 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the seafood is cooked through and the cheeses are melted, creating a creamy and rich texture.

Notes

• Make sure to not overcook the seafood to keep it tender and juicy.
• You can substitute seafood seasoning with Old Bay seasoning if preferred.
• Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the chili.
• This chili pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.
• For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños.

Keywords: seafood chili, creamy chili, shrimp chili, crab chili, lobster chili, easy seafood recipes, comfort food, stovetop chili