Cozy Southwest White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering southwest white chicken chili recipe that brings bold southwestern flavors to your dinner table.

Packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of aromatic spices, this chili delivers a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.

Each spoonful bursts with rich, smoky notes that dance across your palate.

Roasted green chiles and cumin add depth and complexity to the dish.

Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire ensemble with vibrant freshness.

The chili comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings.

Southwestern Flavors Shine in White Chicken Chili

• Whip Up Comfort: Dive into a hearty, creamy chili that wraps you in warmth with minimal cooking skills required.
• Boost Flavor Easily: Packed with green chilies and spices, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that impresses everyone.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder comes together faster than ordering takeout and satisfies all ages with its mild, creamy texture.
• Customize Your Meal: Swap ingredients or add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado to make this chili uniquely yours without complicated techniques.

Southwest White Chili Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main substance of the chili and adds hearty flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients build a flavor foundation and add depth to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Provide a mild heat and tangy green pepper flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the base liquid for the chili and enhances overall savory taste.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture to the chili.

• Spices: Contribute warmth and southwestern-style flavor profile to the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbal note.
• Lime Juice: Provides a zesty, acidic finish that balances the richness of the chili.

• White Beans: Provide additional protein, texture, and a classic chili component.

How to Prepare Southwest White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s completely white throughout and no pink remains.

Remove from heat and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic.

Cook until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet and savory flavors.

Step 3: Combine Chili Ingredients

• White beans
• Diced green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a rich, hearty taste.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until it completely melts and blends into the chili, creating a smooth and luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and squeeze fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty finish.

Serve hot in deep bowls with your favorite toppings.

Ways to Build Flavor in White Chicken Chili

• Use two forks to pull apart warm chicken for tender, even pieces that blend seamlessly into the chili.
• Adjust green chilies and spices to match your heat preference, using mild or hot varieties based on personal taste.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth melting without lumps.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the chili's rich, warm flavors and add a zesty tang.
• Prepare the chili a day in advance to allow spices to meld, creating deeper, more complex taste profiles.

Customizing Southwest White Chicken Chili Bowls

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or white beans, keeping the Southwest spices and creamy texture for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños or increase green chili amount for heat lovers who want more intense southwestern flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute beans with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, creamy chili profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and dairy alternatives to create a lactose-free, velvety chili with similar consistency.

Best Sides to Serve with Southwest White Chili

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this chili in large, rustic bowls with extra toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips for a hearty meal that everyone will love.
• Southwestern Fiesta Platter: Create a build-your-own chili station with various toppings, warm cornbread, and Mexican rice on the side to let guests customize their perfect plate.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose remaining chili as a filling for quesadillas, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for nachos, extending the delicious flavors into another meal.
• Nutrition Boost Companion: Pair with a fresh mixed green salad or roasted vegetable medley to add extra nutrients and balance the creamy, rich chili for a well-rounded dinner experience.

Storing Leftover Southwest White Chicken Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and flavor.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

• Is white chili different from traditional red chili?

White chili uses white beans and chicken instead of beef and red beans, creating a lighter, creamier version with different flavor profiles.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra jalapeños, increase green chili amount, or include a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• What if I don't have fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken or canned chicken work perfectly as quick substitutes, saving preparation time while maintaining the recipe’s delicious taste.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, add extra vegetables like bell peppers, and choose low-sodium chicken broth to create a more nutritious version of the chili.

Southwest White Chicken Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Southwest White Chicken Chili delivers a robust blend of tender chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty spices that dance across your palate. Comfort meets excitement in this one-pot wonder you’ll crave on chilly evenings and weekend gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, fresh, canned (drained), or frozen
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid Base:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth, low-sodium
• 2 cans (4 ounces / 113 grams) green chilies, diced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Creamy Components:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

• 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
• Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
• Avocado, sliced
• Tortilla strips, crispy
• Jalapeños, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat and thoroughly cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer shredded chicken back into the skillet and combine with white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder.
4. Reduce heat to low and allow mixture to gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
5. Incorporate cream cheese into the chili, stirring continuously until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
7. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to enhance the bright, zesty flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili amounts or adding jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick future meals, keeping the chili fresh up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 324 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg