Description
White Chicken Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family meals. This creamy chili combines tender chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a medley of warm spices to create a flavorful one-pot meal. Unlike traditional red chili, this version is lighter but equally satisfying, with a velvety base made from broth and cream cheese. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a weeknight dinner idea, White Chicken Chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- 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.
- Add the Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, allowing it to absorb some of the flavor from the onions and garlic.
Build the Flavor:
- 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.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth, diced green chilies, and white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer and Thicken:
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy base.
Finish the Dish:
- 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:
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, jalapeños, or tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g