White Chicken Chili – This deliciously creamy and mildly spiced dish packed with tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a rich blend of spices.
What Is White Chicken Chili?
Unlike the classic red chili made with beef and tomatoes, white chicken chili is a creamy, broth-based chili that features white beans, shredded chicken, and green chiles. It’s seasoned with a blend of cumin, garlic, oregano, and often a hint of heat from jalapeños or cayenne. The addition of cream cheese or heavy cream gives it its signature luscious texture.
Ingredients for White Chicken Chili
Here’s what you’ll need to create a pot of this cozy goodness:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- White beans: Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans add creaminess and body.
- Green chiles: Canned mild green chiles are traditional, but you can use roasted Hatch chiles for a smokier flavor.
- Onion and garlic: For a flavorful base.
- Chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium to control the salt levels.
- Cream cheese or heavy cream: To achieve a creamy consistency.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for warmth.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn adds a touch of sweetness.
- Lime juice and fresh cilantro: Brightens the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect White Chicken Chili
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: Slow cooking ensures tender, flavorful meat.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver.
- Thicken with a Cornstarch Slurry: For an extra-thick chili, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or cayenne—or leave them out for a milder dish.
- Boost Flavor with Fire-Roasted Ingredients: Fire-roasted corn or tomatoes (if you prefer a twist) can add depth.
Variations of White Chicken Chili
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for heavy cream.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for extra beans, chickpeas, or diced tofu.
- Instant Pot Version: Pressure cook the chicken and aromatics for 15 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir in the cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans and use cauliflower rice as a thickener.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is best served hot with a variety of toppings to customize each bowl. Popular choices include:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
How to Store and Reheat White Chicken Chili
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the chili cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make white chicken chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except the cream and toppings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.
How do I make it thicker?
Blend a portion of the beans with some broth or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the chili.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or leftover Thanksgiving turkey works beautifully in this recipe.
Is white chicken chili gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free if you ensure all ingredients, such as chicken broth, are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, white chicken chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili - This deliciously creamy and mildly spiced dish packed with tender chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a rich blend of spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic , finely minced
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 small yellow onion , diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
- 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
- 1 1/4 cup frozen or fresh corn
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or left-over chicken
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- Tortilla chips or strips, monterrey jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Build the Broth: Add chicken broth, green chilies, and all the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse cannellini beans. Set aside 1 cup and puree the rest with ¼ cup of the soup broth until smooth.
- Add Creamy Elements: Stir in Neufchatel cheese, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Finish and Serve: Mix in shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve warm with optional toppings like Monterrey Jack cheese, avocado slices, extra cilantro, and tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 241Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 29mgSodium 132mgCarbohydrates 20gFiber 5gSugar 3gProtein 13g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
White chicken chili is the perfect balance of creamy and zesty, with plenty of customizable options to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or simply craving a comforting bowl of chili, this recipe delivers every time. It’s hearty, wholesome, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
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