This White Chicken Chili is a delightful and creamy dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends. It’s easy to prepare on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, making it a versatile option for any occasion. The combination of cream cheese, green chilies, and tender shredded chicken creates a flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it suitable for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives the chili a rich, velvety consistency that everyone will love.
- Flavorful Ingredients: A mix of spices and fresh ingredients ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with tortilla strips, avocado, or cheese for added texture and taste.
- Feeding a Crowd: With 12 servings, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here are the items you’ll need to whip up this delicious White Chicken Chili.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This allows you to cook all ingredients thoroughly while providing enough room for stirring.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect seasoning and flavor balance.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while giving you ample space to chop vegetables efficiently.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering White Chicken Chili, gather the following ingredients:
For the Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
For the Base
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
For the Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
For the Main Ingredients
- 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
- 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can sub frozen corn)
- 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
For Garnishing
- Lime wedges
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips
- Fritos
- Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese
How to Make White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Combine the Seasonings
Combine all seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until they soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Add Flour
Sprinkle in flour while tossing to coat the vegetables. Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth & Half-and-Half
Gradually add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously. Follow by adding half-and-half similarly until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)
Reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans. Combine it with ½ cup broth in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return blended mixture to the soup along with remaining whole beans to thicken.
Step 6: Bring to Boil & Simmer
Add seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies into the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle boil uncovered; let simmer for about 15 minutes before reducing heat.
Step 7: Cook Chicken & Corn
Season chicken with salt and pepper before adding it along with corn to the pot. Simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes; stir occasionally.
Step 8: Shred Chicken
Once cooked through, remove chicken from pot and shred it using two forks before returning it back into the soup.
Step 9: Stir in Cream Cheese
Lower heat to low setting and stir in softened cream cheese continuously until fully melted into the chili.
Step 10: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste your chili then adjust seasonings as desired. Serve hot alongside cornbread or garnishes like lime wedges!
Enjoy this comforting bowl of White Chicken Chili that’s sure to please anyone at your table!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
Serving White Chicken Chili can be a delightful experience, enhancing the flavors and textures of this creamy dish. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it.
With Toppings
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the chili.
- Diced Avocado – Creamy avocado complements the dish and adds healthy fats for a satisfying bite.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream brings creaminess and tang, making each spoonful even more enjoyable.
- Tortilla Strips – Crispy tortilla strips provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth chili texture.
- Fritos – These corn chips add a salty crunch and fun twist to each serving.
- Shredded Cheese – Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully on top, adding flavor and richness.
With Bread
- Cornbread – Sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs perfectly with the chili, soaking up the delicious broth.
- Crusty Bread – Slices of crusty bread are ideal for dipping into the creamy chili.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili
To achieve the best White Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the overall taste of your chili.
- Adjust Consistency – If you prefer a thicker chili, blend some beans as mentioned in the recipe or reduce broth quantity.
- Customize Spice Level – Feel free to adjust cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your heat preference.
- Slow Cook for Flavor – Letting it simmer longer allows all flavors to meld beautifully; consider using a slow cooker for convenience.
- Taste as You Go – Regularly tasting your chili helps you adjust seasonings precisely to your liking.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with White Chicken Chili creates a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cornbread – This sweet classic is perfect for soaking up every bit of chili goodness.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread offers a flavorful complement and is great for dipping.
- Simple Green Salad – A refreshing salad with mixed greens adds crunch and balances the hearty chili.
- Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf serves as an excellent base for your chili, soaking up its creamy broth.
- Nachos – Tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings make for a fun side dish.
- Coleslaw – The crunchy texture and tanginess of coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the warm chili.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition while enhancing flavors on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook a few essential steps. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Skipping the seasonings – Not adding the right spices can lead to bland chili. Make sure to measure and include all spices for maximum flavor.
- Using low-quality broth – Cheap or low-sodium broth can affect the taste. Opt for a good quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough and dry. Aim for 15-20 minutes on a gentle simmer.
- Neglecting to blend beans – Failing to blend some beans can lead to a less creamy texture. Reserve a cup of beans, blend, and then add back for thickness.
- Not adjusting flavors – Taste as you go! Not adjusting salt or spice levels can result in an unbalanced dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing White Chicken Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
- White Chicken Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating White Chicken Chili
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili:
What is White Chicken Chili?
White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices. It’s perfect for warming up on chilly days!
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey is a great substitute that will still provide delicious flavor and texture.
How do I make White Chicken Chili spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate additional jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with hot sauce on top.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include diced avocado, lime wedges, tortilla strips, and cheese for added flavor!
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you choose to spice it up or keep it mild, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients!
White Chicken Chili
Delight in a bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili, a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings. This easy-to-make chili features tender shredded chicken, white beans, and zesty green chilies, all enveloped in a rich broth enhanced by cream cheese.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. skinless chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- Lime wedges
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips
- Fritos
- Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and jalapeño until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly before sprinkling in flour.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth and half-and-half until well combined.
- Blend one cup of beans with some broth until smooth; return to the pot with remaining whole beans.
- Stir in seasonings, hot sauce, and green chilies; bring to a boil before simmering for 15 minutes.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; add to the pot along with corn and simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
- Shred the cooked chicken and mix it back into the chili with softened cream cheese until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg