Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili. This recipe combines the ocean’s bounty with a luscious, creamy base that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, it provides a delightful twist on traditional chili that’s sure to captivate even the pickiest eaters.

What makes this dish special is not just the rich blend of seafood but the harmony of flavors brought together with spices and cheese, creating a bowl of chili that is savory, hearty, and utterly indulgent. Whether serving it on a cold winter night or at a summer cookout with friends, this seafood chili will leave your guests raving and returning for seconds!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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
• 5 oz lobster meat
• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Seafood seasoning to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for a delicious seafood chili.

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, Great Northern beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with chilis, and optional Better Than Bouillon. Mix well to combine.
5. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes.
6. While simmering, season the crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp with your preferred seafood seasoning.
7. Stir in the cheese, corn, cream cheese, crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp into the pot.
8. Increase the heat back to medium; cook for an additional 5–6 minutes until all seafood is cooked through and the cheese has melted nicely.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can easily swap the seafood for your favorites or what you have on hand, such as scallops or fish fillets.
• Optional variations: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños.
• Storage or reheating tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty level: Easy