White Chicken Chili

Introduction

White Chicken Chili is the perfect dish for those cozy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. With tender pieces of chicken, creamy white beans, green chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices, this chili offers a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to traditional red chili. The rich and velvety broth, enhanced with a touch of cream cheese, brings everything together, creating a creamy, dreamy base that makes every spoonful irresistible.

I first made this White Chicken Chili on a cold evening, and it quickly became a family favorite. The ease of preparation combined with the comforting taste made it the perfect weeknight dinner, especially when I was craving something warming but not too heavy. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, which is always a bonus when you’re meal prepping or looking for leftovers to enjoy later in the week.

What I love most about White Chicken Chili is how versatile it is. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or fewer chilies, and it’s easy to add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor even more. Whether served with some cornbread or over a bed of rice, this chili is guaranteed to bring comfort and warmth to your table. It’s a dish that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve, perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night with loved ones.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Meal prepping
• Cold-weather comfort food

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why White Chicken Chili deserves a spot in your recipe collection:

• Creamy and Comforting: The rich, creamy base makes this chili irresistibly comforting and satisfying for all ages.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
• Versatile Dish: It can be served on its own, with toppings, or alongside cornbread for a complete meal.
• Lighter Alternative: Compared to traditional red chili, this white chicken version feels lighter but is equally hearty.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The chili tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
• Perfect for Freezing: It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy a quick homemade meal on busy days.
• Loaded with Protein: Packed with chicken and beans, it’s a wholesome dish that keeps you full for hours.
• Customizable Spiciness: You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your taste preferences.
• Family Approved: Even picky eaters love this flavorful and creamy chili.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for White Chicken Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, jalapeños, tortilla strips

Ingredient Highlights

• White Beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans add creaminess and protein to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Mild and flavorful, these chilies add just the right amount of heat.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a velvety base for the chili, giving it a luscious texture.
• Cumin and Chili Powder: These warm spices are the backbone of the chili’s flavor profile.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herby finish to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make White Chicken Chili:

Prepare the Base:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, allowing it to absorb some of the flavor from the onions and garlic.

Build the Flavor:

3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken and onions with the spices.
4. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth, diced green chilies, and white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer and Thicken:

5. Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy base.

Finish the Dish:

7. Add Sour Cream and Lime Juice: Stir in the sour cream and lime juice for a tangy, fresh finish. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and Garnish:

8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, jalapeños, or tortilla strips.

How to Serve

Here are some ideas for serving White Chicken Chili:

• With Cornbread: Pair with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread for a classic chili combination.
• Over Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Taco Night Twist: Use the chili as a filling for tacos or burritos for a unique twist on taco night.
• In Bread Bowls: Hollow out crusty bread and fill it with chili for a cozy, edible serving dish.
• With Tortilla Chips: Serve as a dip with crispy tortilla chips for a party-friendly option.
• With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
• As a Potluck Star: Bring it to your next potluck—it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
• Topped with Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices for a touch of freshness.
• With Extra Lime: Serve with lime wedges for guests who love a zesty kick.
• Family-Style: Set out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their bowl.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your White Chicken Chili a success:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
• Thicken the Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients and measure your spices beforehand for a smooth cooking process.
• Freeze Leftovers: Store leftover chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat when needed.
• Use a Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients (except cream cheese, sour cream, and lime juice) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the remaining ingredients just before serving.
• Try Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of white vinegar or hot sauce to brighten the flavors.
• Serve with Tortillas: Warm up some flour or corn tortillas for dipping.
• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with extra beans or diced tofu for a vegetarian version.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 ways to customize White Chicken Chili:

• Spicy White Chicken Chili: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for extra heat.
• Vegetarian White Chili: Replace chicken with diced tofu or extra white beans.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and sour cream.
• Keto-Friendly Chili: Skip the beans and add extra chicken and vegetables.
• Southwest Chili: Add corn and black beans for a southwestern twist.
• Cheesy Chili: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy base.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked chicken or add a dash of liquid smoke.
• Green Chili Verde: Use tomatillo salsa for a tangy and green chili twist.
• Seafood Chili: Substitute chicken with shrimp or crab for a seafood version.
• Loaded Chili: Top with crumbled bacon, jalapeños, and extra cheese for a loaded chili experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Special Equipment

Here’s what you might need to make White Chicken Chili:

• Large Pot: For cooking the chili and combining all the ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and mixing the chili while it cooks.
• Ladle: For serving the chili into bowls.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef’s Knife: To dice the onion and mince the garlic.
• Citrus Juicer: To easily juice the lime.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the broth, spices, and other ingredients accurately.
• Immersion Blender: If you want to partially blend the chili for a thicker consistency.
• Slow Cooker: Optional, if you want to make this chili in a slow cooker.
• Serving Bowls: For serving the chili with all your favorite toppings.
• Storage Containers: For saving leftovers or freezing portions for later.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but fresh or rotisserie chicken is recommended for the best flavor.
2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
   This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and spices to ensure they are gluten-free.
3. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
   Absolutely! Use the sauté function for the onions and spices, then pressure cook for 8 minutes.
4. What’s the best way to reheat White Chicken Chili?
   Reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
5. Can I add vegetables to this chili?
   Yes, diced zucchini, bell peppers, or corn are great additions to this recipe.
6. Can I skip the cream cheese?
   You can skip it, but the chili won’t be as creamy. Substitute with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a similar texture.
7. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
   Yes, but you’ll need to cook them beforehand since dried beans take longer to prepare.
8. Is this chili spicy?
   It’s mildly spicy due to the green chilies, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.
9. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes, it’s even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.
10. What’s the best way to thicken the chili?
    Mash some of the beans or let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.

Print

Conclusion

White Chicken Chili is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken, a creamy broth, and an array of flavorful spices come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and hearty. Whether you’re serving it at a casual gathering or enjoying a quiet family meal, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

For a complete meal, pair it with cornbread, a refreshing side salad, or crispy tortilla chips. The best part? You can easily make a large batch, enjoy leftovers throughout the week, or freeze portions for future dinners. Once you try this delicious White Chicken Chili, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

I’d love to see how your White Chicken Chili turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts or any fun twists you added to the recipe!