White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.

Loaded with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of warmth and zest. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to your spice preferences, making it a go-to meal for families and gatherings.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken: Provides a hearty and tender base for the chili.
• White Beans: Adds protein and a creamy texture.
• Green Chilies: Infuses mild heat and tangy flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid base.
• Cream Cheese: Gives the chili its signature creamy consistency.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Build the Base:
   • Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, white beans, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer:
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Creaminess:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Then, add the heavy cream for an extra creamy texture.
5. Finishing Touches:
   • Stir in the lime juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado.

Recipe Tips

• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Thicker Chili: Mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of cream cheese and heavy cream.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Bread: Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for dipping.
• Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the creaminess.
• Side Dish: A side of Mexican rice or roasted vegetables complements the chili beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all the ingredients except for the cream cheese, heavy cream, and lime juice to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream in the last 30 minutes, then finish with lime juice.

Can I freeze White Chicken Chili?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

What beans work best for this recipe?
Cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, or navy beans are ideal choices for their creamy texture and mild flavor.

Serving Suggestions

White Chicken Chili is best enjoyed warm, topped with your favorite garnishes. Serve it with tortilla chips for a fun and crunchy accompaniment, or enjoy it with a side of cornbread or rice for a more filling meal. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime for the perfect finishing touch!

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that's perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something hearty and satisfying. Loaded with tender chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of warmth and zest. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to your spice preferences, making it a go-to meal for families and gatherings.

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Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 15-ounce cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Instructions

 

• Sauté Aromatics:
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
• Build the Base:
• Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, white beans, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Simmer:
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Add Creaminess:
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Then, add the heavy cream for an extra creamy texture.
• Finishing Touches:
• Stir in the lime juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve:
• Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado.