Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili combines tender seafood with a rich, cheesy broth for a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional chili. It’s perfect for seafood lovers looking to try something new and satisfying.

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
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, Great Northern beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with chilis. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 5: While the chili simmers, season the crab meat, lobster meat, and shrimp with seafood seasoning along with chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Stir in shredded cheese, corn, cream cheese, and the seasoned seafood into the pot.
- Step 7: Increase the heat back to medium and cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until all the seafood is thoroughly cooked and the cheese has melted into a creamy broth.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute lobster with scallops or chunks of firm white fish if preferred.
- Use a seafood seasoning blend that you like, or make your own with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the creamy chili.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen seafood works well for this recipe. Just thaw and pat dry before seasoning and adding to the chili to avoid excess moisture.
Is this chili spicy?
This chili has a mild to medium heat level depending on the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper you use. Adjust seasonings to your taste for a milder or spicier dish.
PrintCreamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili Recipe
This Easy Creamy Seafood and Shrimp Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp, crab, and lobster with a rich, creamy broth infused with spices and beans. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this chili offers a delightful twist on traditional chili by incorporating fresh seafood and melty cheeses for a satisfying and hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Seafood and Cheese
- 5 oz lump crab meat
- 5 oz lobster meat
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup whole kernel corn (frozen)
- 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)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Seafood seasoning (to taste)
- Chili powder (to taste)
- Cumin (to taste)
- Red cayenne pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 2-3 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, drained and rinsed cans of Great Northern beans and black beans, and 1 can drained diced tomatoes with chilis. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the Dutch oven, and let the chili simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season Seafood: While the chili simmers, season the 5 oz lump crab meat, 5 oz lobster meat, and 1 pound shrimp with seafood seasoning and other spices such as chili powder, cumin, red cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese, Corn, and Seafood: Stir in 1 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese, ½ cup frozen whole kernel corn, 3 oz cream cheese, and the seasoned crab, lobster, and shrimp into the chili pot.
- Cook Seafood: Increase heat back to medium and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all seafood is thoroughly cooked and cheeses are melted, resulting in a creamy consistency.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the chili.
- Seafood seasoning can be adjusted to preference for spiciness and flavor.
- Make sure shrimp is thoroughly cooked but not overcooked for the best texture.
- For added depth, you can include a splash of white wine during sautéing the onions if desired.
- Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: seafood chili, shrimp chili, creamy chili, easy seafood recipe, comforting dinner

