This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting dish that combines shredded chicken, white beans, and corn in a thick, creamy base. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, and its blend of spices gives it just the right kick. Plus, this chili is make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly, making it an ideal pantry staple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich texture that elevates the chili experience.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can serve up deliciousness in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, lime wedges, or salsa to customize each bowl.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from the chicken and beans, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals on hectic days.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful White Chicken Chili recipe, having the right tools will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or soup pot
- Cutting board
- Forks (for shredding)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering ingredients evenly and maintaining heat.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding chicken without mess.
- Forks: Essential for shredding the cooked chicken quickly and easily.
Ingredients
This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19oz or 591ml)
– 1 can sweet corn, drained (12oz or 341ml)
– 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
– 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (125g)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
– 1 tablespoon water (optional)
– Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos, for serving)
How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Ensure that a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken reaches at least 165°F.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer it to a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the drained white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Stir these cubes into the pot until they are well distributed. Cover again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally to melt the cream cheese completely.
Step 5: Thicken If Desired
If you prefer a thicker chili, mix together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this mixture into your simmering chili while stirring constantly until you reach your desired thickness.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle your delicious White Chicken Chili into bowls. Top with additional hot sauce if you like some extra heat! Serve alongside chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, jalapenos—whatever you desire! Enjoy!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe
White Chicken Chili is a comforting dish that can be customized with various toppings. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your chili experience.
Toppings
- Hot Sauce: Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance the spiciness.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a zesty flavor boost.
- Salsa: Serve with your favorite salsa for added freshness and texture.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, savory finish.
- Jalapenos: For those who love heat, sliced jalapenos provide a spicy crunch.
Chips
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for dipping into the chili.
- Corn Chips: Serve with corn chips for a slightly sweet and salty contrast.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe
Creating the perfect White Chicken Chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out great every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder and hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Shred Chicken Properly: Shredding chicken finely helps it blend better with the other ingredients.
- Simmer Gently: Simmer on low heat after adding cream cheese to prevent curdling.
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance nutrition and flavor by adding bell peppers or zucchini.
- Make Ahead: Prepare in advance; flavors meld beautifully when stored overnight.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe
Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice can help soak up the rich flavors of the chili.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the chili’s creamy texture.
- Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that balances the smoothness of the chili.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies bring an earthy flavor that pairs well with chili.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice make a hearty side dish that complements well.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be dipped in the chili for a satisfying crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your White Chicken Chili recipe, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Not using enough seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to a bland chili. Ensure you use the right amounts of salt, chili powder, and hot sauce.
Skipping the simmer: Rushing the cooking process can prevent the flavors from developing fully. Allow your chili to simmer as directed for a rich taste.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can cause it to dry out. Monitor the internal temperature to keep it juicy and tender.
Ignoring texture: Not shredding or mixing ingredients well can result in an uneven texture. Make sure to shred the chicken thoroughly and mix everything thoroughly.
Using cold cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese directly may prevent it from melting smoothly into the chili. Always use room temperature cream cheese for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- White Chicken Chili will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, reheating for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe:
Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in this White Chicken Chili recipe?
You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you prefer a lighter option.
Is this White Chicken Chili recipe spicy?
The spice level is adjustable based on your preference. You can add more hot sauce or chili powder if you like it spicier!
How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili recipe?
If you want it thicker, you can add cornstarch mixed with water during cooking or let it simmer longer uncovered.
Can I use frozen chicken in this White Chicken Chili recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time until fully cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili is not only creamy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding beans, different toppings, or even adjusting the spice level to suit your taste. Ideal for meal prep or family dinners, give this recipe a try today!
White Chicken Chili
Indulge in a bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili that’s not only comforting but also packed with flavor! This easy-to-make dish combines tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and sweet corn in a luscious, thick base. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chili takes just 35 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal option for meal prep or those unexpected guests. With the right blend of spices and customizable toppings like avocado and lime wedges, every bite is a delightful experience. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly, ensuring you always have a delicious meal at hand!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can white kidney beans (19 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can sweet corn (12 oz), drained
- 1 can green chiles (4 oz)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- green hot sauce
- chili powder
- onion powder
- salt
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or soup pot, add chicken and broth; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from pot; shred using forks and return to pot.
- Add white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot; mix well.
- Stir in cubed cream cheese until melted; simmer for another 10 minutes.
- For thickness, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the chili until desired consistency is reached.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg