White Chicken Chili Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly? This White Chicken Chili recipe is your answer! This creamy, savory chili is packed with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a delicious blend of spices, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. It’s a guaranteed family favorite and a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a delicious and comforting twist on traditional chili. Instead of tomatoes and red beans, it features a creamy broth base, tender chicken, white beans (like Great Northern or cannellini), onions, garlic, and a flavorful blend of spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder. It’s often topped with sour cream, cheese, avocado, or cilantro for added flavor and texture.

This chili offers a lighter, brighter flavor profile than its red counterpart, making it a refreshing and equally satisfying option. It’s a versatile recipe easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients and spice levels. Ready to experience the comforting warmth and delicious flavors of White Chicken Chili? Try this recipe today!

Key Ingredients for White Chicken Chili:

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides a base flavor to the chili.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing protein and flavor. Can be diced into bite-sized pieces or shredded after cooking.
1 teaspoon cumin: A warm, earthy spice that’s essential for chili flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter, herbaceous note.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Contributes a mild heat and complexity. Adjust to your preference.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For an extra kick of spice. Omit if you prefer a milder chili.
4 cups chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the chili. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creaminess and texture. Alternatively, you can use cannellini beans.
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creaminess and texture. Alternatively, you can use great northern beans.
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy richness to the chili.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: For garnish (optional).
Toppings of your choice: Sour cream, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack), avocado slices, jalapenos, lime wedges, tortilla chips.

How to Make White Chicken Chili:

This White Chicken Chili is surprisingly easy to make and ready in about 45 minutes! It boasts a creamy, flavorful broth, tender pieces of chicken, and the perfect blend of spices. The addition of cream cheese at the end gives it an irresistible richness that will have you reaching for seconds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step isn’t about cooking the chicken through completely, just searing the outside for flavor.
Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor.
Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the rinsed and drained great northern beans and cannellini beans.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Add Cream Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the chili is smooth and creamy.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. You may also want to add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Serve: Ladle the White Chicken Chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, jalapenos, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili:

This White Chicken Chili is a weeknight winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and blend of spices create a comforting and delicious dish. Second, making it yourself is much more cost-effective than ordering takeout. You can control the quality of ingredients and adjust the recipe to your liking. Lastly, the toppings are where you can really customize this chili! Whether you pile it high with sour cream, cheese, avocado, or a sprinkle of cilantro, the possibilities are endless.

If you enjoy this flavorful chili, you might also like exploring a classic Chicken Tortilla Soup for another comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal. Make this White Chicken Chili tonight and discover your new favorite easy dinner!

What to Serve White Chicken Chili With:

White Chicken Chili is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with several side dishes to create a more substantial feast. Consider serving it with:

Cornbread: A classic pairing that adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
Tortilla Chips: For dipping and adding a crunchy element.
A Simple Salad: such as coleslaw, A refreshing and light contrast to the rich chili.
Quesadillas: Additional filling and can be customized with cheese and vegetables.
Guacamole and Salsa: For extra flavor and a festive touch.

Top Tips for Perfecting White Chicken Chili:

Don’t overcook the chicken: While cooking it ensures food safety, overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking, or use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your preference. If you prefer a milder chili, omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Use high-quality chicken broth: The chicken broth is the base of your chili, so using a good-quality broth will make a big difference in the flavor.
Don’t skip the toppings: Toppings add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your chili. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorites.
For a thicker chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially puree the chili. Be careful not to over-blend, as you still want some texture. Alternatively, you can add a corn starch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the chili during the last few minutes of cooking.

5 Facts About White Chicken Chili:

It’s relatively new: White Chicken Chili is a more modern variation of traditional chili, likely emerging in the US sometime in the late 20th century.
It’s a regional favorite: White Chicken Chili is particularly popular in the Southwestern and Western United States.
It’s often healthier than red chili: Because it typically uses chicken instead of beef and has a broth base, it can be lower in fat and calories than traditional chili.
There are many variations: From adding green chiles to using different types of beans, there are countless ways to customize White Chicken Chili to your liking.
It’s a great make-ahead meal: White Chicken Chili actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing: Allow the chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the chili will expand when frozen. The chili can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated chili, simply heat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. For frozen chili, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave, but be sure to use the defrost setting and stir frequently. Add a little broth or water if the chili seems too thick after thawing.

Final Thoughts:

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, flavorful broth, and tender chicken make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings and spices to create your own unique version. Enjoy!

try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest

White Chicken Chili FAQs:

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, you can substitute canned chicken for fresh chicken breasts. Use about 2 (12.5-ounce) cans of drained chicken. Add the canned chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all the ingredients except the cream cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, stir in the cream cheese, and serve.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes! Great Northern and cannellini beans are classic choices, but you can also use navy beans or even black beans for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more beans or vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I add corn to this chili?
Yes! Corn is a great addition to White Chicken Chili and adds a touch of sweetness. Frozen, canned, or fresh corn can be used. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.