White Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and a rich blend of spices. This comforting soup offers a milder alternative to traditional chili, with a base of white beans, green chilies, and plenty of chicken. Topped with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream, it becomes the perfect meal for chilly nights or casual gatherings.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this white chicken chili is simple to prepare yet packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this dish quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. This guide takes you through the step-by-step process, gives helpful tips, and offers some creative variations to personalize the recipe.

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili

• Mild and Creamy Flavor: The smooth texture and mild spice level make this chili a crowd-pleaser for all palates, with the creamy base balancing the heat from the green chilies and seasoning.
• Comfort in a Bowl: With tender chicken and creamy beans, this chili is a perfect comfort food. It’s warming, filling, and perfect for cooler days.
• Quick and Easy: Despite the complex flavors, this chili comes together quickly—especially when using a slow cooker or Instant Pot. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, this chili is as nutritious as it is delicious. It makes a complete meal that’s filling without being heavy.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making this chili easy to adapt to your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes (or 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker)
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 6-8g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the White Chicken Chili:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, for more flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 (15 oz) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for added creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (for freshness)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, extra lime wedges, tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces for a quicker cooking time. If you prefer, you can leave the chicken whole and shred it later.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step helps to build the base flavors of the chili.

3. Add the Chicken and Spices

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want to sear the chicken slightly to help develop more flavor.

Once the chicken is browned, add the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, paprika, and salt. Stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken and onion are well coated with the spices. Let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom, releasing their fragrance.

4. Add the Beans, Corn, and Broth

Add the drained and rinsed white beans and corn (if using) to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is submerged. Stir to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the chili simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.

If using a slow cooker, transfer the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

5. Finish with Cream and Cream Cheese

Once the chili has simmered and the chicken is cooked, add the heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Stir well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the chili becomes creamy. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, or cumin if desired.

6. Shred the Chicken (If Needed)

If you cooked the chicken whole, now is the time to shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

7. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice to add brightness and balance to the rich flavors. Serve the white chicken chili with a garnish of fresh cilantro and additional toppings, such as sour cream, diced avocado, extra lime wedges, or tortilla chips for crunch.

Tips for Perfect White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs provide more flavor and tend to stay juicier in the chili. Both work well, so choose based on your preference.
• Customize the Spice Level: If you like your chili with more heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot. Conversely, if you prefer a milder chili, feel free to adjust the chili powder and green chilies to your taste.
• Use High-Quality Chicken Broth: Since the broth forms the base of the chili, using a flavorful, high-quality chicken broth can significantly enhance the flavor of the entire dish. Opt for a low-sodium variety to control the salt levels.
• Make it Ahead: White chicken chili actually improves in flavor as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop even further overnight.
• For Extra Creaminess: If you want an extra creamy texture, add more cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream when serving.

Variations of White Chicken Chili

• Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili: To make this dish even easier, use a slow cooker! Simply add all the ingredients, including the raw chicken, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Afterward, shred the chicken and stir in the cream and cream cheese for a creamy finish.
• Instant Pot White Chicken Chili: For a quicker version, use an Instant Pot. Add all ingredients to the pot, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure and follow the rest of the recipe to finish.
• Vegetarian White Chili: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use more beans or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also add tofu for extra protein.
• Spicy White Chicken Chili: Add some diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to kick up the heat. You can also swap the green chilies for a spicier variety to add some zing.
• Cheesy White Chicken Chili: Stir in more cheese, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Pepper Jack, for a cheesier version. Top with more melted cheese just before serving.

Storage and Shelf Life

White Chicken Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits. If you want to freeze the chili, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding more broth or water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Side Dishes and Pairings for White Chicken Chili

Pair this rich and hearty chili with these complementary sides for a complete meal:

• Cornbread: Serve the chili with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of white rice or brown rice to make it even more filling.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and are perfect for dipping into the chili.
• Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili and adds a light contrast.

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Conclusion

White Chicken Chili is the perfect dish for a cozy meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and perfect blend of spices, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, it’s a great way to enjoy comfort food any time of year. Enjoy the creamy, hearty goodness of this white chicken chili—it’s a warm hug in a bowl!