This Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights or gatherings. In just 35 minutes, you can create a rich and creamy dish that warms the soul. It’s not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to please a crowd. The combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and flavorful spices makes this chili a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a delightful creaminess that everyone will love.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with fresh toppings like avocado, lime juice, and cilantro to suit your taste.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this dish is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.
- Easily Scalable: This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings without much extra effort.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need to whip up this creamy delight.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and simmering the chili all in one place, promoting even cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring everything mixes well.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Great for quickly softening cream cheese before adding it into the chili.
Ingredients
To create your delicious Creamy White Chicken Chili, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans (drained)
- 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies (with juices)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly) (softened)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Lime juice, avocado, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, etc.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly browned for extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them for a few minutes until they are no longer pink on the outside.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, allowing it to become fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add in the chicken broth, drained white beans, mild green chilies with their juices, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Increase the heat to bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat so it simmers gently for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and microwave it for about 30 seconds to soften further. Stir it into the chili until fully combined and continue cooking for an additional five minutes until warmed through.
Step 6: Season & Serve
Season your creamy white chicken chili with salt and pepper according to taste. Serve hot with desired toppings such as lime juice, avocado slices, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, or crunchy tortilla strips. Enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy white chicken chili is not only comforting but also versatile when it comes to serving. It can be enjoyed on its own or enhanced with a variety of toppings and sides that elevate the dish to new heights.
Toppings
- Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness that complements the chili.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: Sprinkle some cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.
- Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips add texture and a delightful crunch.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a classic pairing that soaks up the chili.
- Rice: A side of fluffy rice can balance the richness of the chili.
- Salad: A light green salad offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy chili.
How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili
To make your creamy white chicken chili even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Bold flavors: Use fresh ingredients like garlic and onion to enhance the overall taste.
- Adjust thickness: For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add more chicken broth.
- Season well: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper throughout cooking for balanced flavors.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add more spices like cayenne pepper for heat or paprika for smokiness.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili
Serving side dishes with creamy white chicken chili can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet, cornbread pairs perfectly with spicy dishes.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base for chili.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping in chili.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that complements the richness of the chili.
- Quesadilla Slices: Cheesy quesadillas are great for dipping into creamy soups or chilies.
- Baked Potatoes: Soft baked potatoes can be topped with leftover chili for an easy meal option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy white chicken chili can be straightforward, but there are some common pitfalls to dodge.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Stale spices or canned goods can diminish the dish’s taste.
- Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to cook the chicken too long before adding other ingredients. This keeps it tender and juicy.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season your chili! Adding salt and pepper at the end enhances flavors significantly.
- Not letting it simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer helps meld the flavors. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful dish.
- Using cold cream cheese: If you add cold cream cheese directly, it may not blend well. Softening it first ensures a smooth texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the chili will expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making creamy white chicken chili.
What is Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Creamy white chicken chili is a delicious and hearty dish made with chicken, white beans, green chilies, and cream cheese for a rich texture.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover chicken works perfectly and can save you time during preparation.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider using spicy green chilies or adding jalapeños. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
What toppings pair well with Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime juice, tortilla strips, and Mexican cheese blend enhance both flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
This creamy white chicken chili is not only quick to prepare but also offers great versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust spice levels based on preference. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner!
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Indulge in the warmth of this Creamy White Chicken Chili, a cozy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a rich and creamy chili, featuring tender chicken, hearty white beans, and zesty spices that come together to create a comforting meal. This versatile recipe allows you to customize your bowl with fresh toppings like avocado, lime juice, and cilantro to enhance its flavor. It’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with protein and easily scalable for larger gatherings.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans (drained)
- 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies (with juices)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Lime juice
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Mexican cheese blend
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
- Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Combine chicken broth, drained white beans, green chilies with juices, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano; bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cube softened cream cheese and microwave briefly; stir into the chili until combined. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot with toppings like lime juice, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg