Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy white chicken chili that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Tender shredded chicken nestles perfectly in a rich, velvety broth packed with hearty beans and vibrant spices.

The blend of cream cheese and green chiles creates an irresistible depth of flavor that sets this chili apart from traditional recipes.

Aromatic seasonings dance through each spoonful, delivering a satisfying kick that wakes up your taste buds.

Balanced and nourishing, this chili offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal everyone will love.

Grab a ladle and savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing culinary masterpiece.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Is a Crowd Favorite

• Whip Up Comfort Food: This creamy white chicken chili delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, hearty flavors that hug your taste buds and warm your soul.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pot preparation means minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy families who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe allows easy additions like extra toppings, different beans, or spice levels to match personal preferences and keep everyone happy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Punch: Packed with tender shredded chicken and white beans, this chili provides satisfying nutrition that appeals to both kids and adults.

List of Ingredients for Creamy White Chili

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides the primary protein for this creamy chili.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavorful base and add depth to the chili's overall taste profile.
• Green Chiles: Adds a mild, slightly spicy element to the dish.
• Corn: Brings a sweet and textural component to the chili.

• White Beans: Provide a creamy texture and additional protein to the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid base that helps cook and flavor the chili.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: A blend of warm spices that create a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: These ingredients create a luxurious, velvety texture and add richness to the chili.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that can brighten and add a final touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and start the cooking process.

Cooking Instructions for White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab your favorite large pot and drizzle olive oil, heating it gently over medium warmth.

Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Drop in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and toast these flavor boosters for a minute to unlock their deep, rich essence.

Step 4: Build the Chili Base

• Chicken breasts
• Chicken broth
• White beans
• Corn kernels
• Green chiles

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat and let it simmer peacefully for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and transform them into tender, bite-sized pieces using two forks.

Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 6: Create Creamy Magic

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese

Stir until they melt completely, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 7: Let Flavors Mingle

Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting every ingredient get acquainted and harmonize.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime wedges.

Kitchen Secrets for Extra Creamy Chili

• Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their natural aromatics and create a more complex taste profile.
• Lower the heat and stir continuously when adding sour cream and cream cheese to ensure smooth, creamy integration without separation.
• Swap full-fat dairy with Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier version without sacrificing rich texture.
• This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently to maintain its creamy consistency.
• Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a faster cooking process and equally delicious results.

Fresh Mix-Ins for Creamy White Chili Bowls

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep all other spices and ingredients the same for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Green Chili: Swap white beans for cauliflower florets, reduce corn quantity, add diced zucchini for extra volume, and use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to maintain creamy texture while lowering carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mexican Chili Verde: Increase green chiles quantity, add diced jalapeños, include a dash of cayenne pepper, use roasted green chiles for deeper flavor, and garnish with extra fresh cilantro and sliced radishes for authentic heat and crunch.

Serving Creamy White Chicken Chili for Dinner

• Zesty Lime Twist: Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl to brighten the chili's rich, creamy flavors and add a tangy kick.
• Crunchy Topping Delight: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips on top for a satisfying textural contrast and extra crunch.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously top with shredded monterey jack or pepper jack cheese for a melty, gooey finish that complements the creamy base.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños to add vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Keeping Creamy White Chicken Chili Fresh

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add extra cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

• Is this chili spicy?

This white chicken chili has a mild, warm flavor. If you prefer more heat, add extra green chiles or a dash of hot sauce.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add sour cream and cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• What if I don't have white beans?

You can substitute with cannellini beans or great northern beans. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich and comforting white chicken chili brings Mexican-inspired warmth to weeknight dinners, blending tender chicken, hearty beans, and a silky cream-based broth that will satisfy comfort food cravings with incredible depth of flavor. Spicy green chiles and aromatic spices elevate you to a culinary journey of pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans great Northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cans (4 ounces/113 grams each) diced green chiles
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Dairy:

• 4 cups (0.95 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• Juice from 1 lime

Spices and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and let it release its aromatic essence for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
3. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, toasting the spices for about 60 seconds to enhance their robust flavors.
4. Carefully place whole chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in chicken broth, white beans, corn, and green chiles, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly for 20 minutes.
6. Extract chicken breasts from the liquid and use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into tender pieces, then return them to the simmering pot.
7. Incorporate sour cream and cream cheese, stirring until they completely dissolve and create a luxuriously smooth texture.
8. Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors harmonize and intensify.
9. Ladle the chili into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and zesty lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat.
• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and add more flavor.
• Make this recipe dairy-free by using coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or extra beans during the simmering process.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg