Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is a personal favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty yet easy to whip up. Plus, it’s a hit at family gatherings and game days—everyone loves dipping their tortilla chips into this creamy goodness!
The best part? You can make this chili in three different ways: on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in your Instant Pot. No matter how you choose to prepare it, this chili delivers rich flavors and comfort in every bowl. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The creamy texture and mild spices make it appealing for both kids and adults!
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This chili is perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as is or dress it up with your favorite toppings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps everyone feeling satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Creamy White Chicken Chili is super easy! You’ll find these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully to create a heartwarming dish.
For the Chili Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large sweet onion (peeled and chopped)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast
- 30 ounces canned cannellini beans (drained)
- 7 ounces chopped green chiles (mild or hot)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes; could be low fat)
Possible Garnishes
You can add extra flair with any of these delicious garnishes:
* Cilantro
* Scallions
* Tortilla chips
* Lime wedges
* Shredded pepper jack cheese
* Avocado
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.
- Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrition.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, consider using spicy green chiles or adding jalapeños.
- Make it creamy without dairy: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The onions will release their natural sweetness, laying a flavorful foundation for your chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step enhances the depth of flavor in your chili, making every bite rich and savory.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
Next, add in your boneless chicken breasts along with the drained cannellini beans, green chiles, frozen corn, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delightful flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Away
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. While simmering, take a moment to enjoy those delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot along with cream cheese cubes. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy—this is where all that comforting goodness happens!
Step 6: Serve it Up
Ladle your Creamy White Chicken Chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Whether it’s fresh cilantro or crispy tortilla chips, each topping adds its own special touch. Enjoy every warm spoonful!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Making a delicious creamy white chicken chili is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to elevate your cooking experience:
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Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chopping onions, garlic, and other ingredients in advance saves time and makes cooking smoother. This way, you can enjoy the process without feeling rushed.
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken. It adds flavor and cuts down on prep time significantly!
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Adjust Spice Levels: Consider the type of green chiles you use; mild for a gentle kick or hot for more heat. This allows you to customize the chili to your family’s taste preferences.
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Cream Cheese Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese. Both alternatives will give you that creamy texture without compromising flavor.
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Let It Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors. If you have extra time, let it sit on low heat for an additional 20-30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
This creamy white chicken chili is not only hearty but also versatile in how you can present it! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some ideas to make it shine.
Garnishes
Add finishing touches with these simple garnishes that will elevate your dish:
- Fresh cilantro – Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Scallions – Thinly sliced scallions add a mild onion flavor and crisp texture that brightens up each bite.
- Lime wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving enhances the chili’s flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your creamy white chicken chili with these delightful side dishes:
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Cornbread: Soft and buttery cornbread complements the richness of the chili. Its slightly sweet flavor balances out the spices beautifully.
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Garden Salad: A light garden salad filled with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
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Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for dipping into your chili or enjoying alongside it. They add texture and fun to your meal!
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Rice or Quinoa: Serving the chili over rice or quinoa makes it more filling while absorbing those delicious flavors. It’s an excellent option for those looking to stretch the meal further.
Enjoy crafting this creamy white chicken chili recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store it, freeze it, and reheat it!
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezing
- Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for your reference.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in one-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.
Can I make this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
How can I spice up my Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
To add more heat, try using spicy green chiles or add diced jalapeños. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use a hot sauce during cooking.
Can I use canned chicken for this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Yes! Canned chicken works as a convenient substitute. Just drain it well and add it towards the end of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe! It’s not just hearty and comforting, but it’s also versatile enough for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes. Happy cooking!
Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker/Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re in search of a warm and comforting dish, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is just what you need! It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, you can prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot—whichever method suits your schedule best. This chili is nourishing, packed with protein and fiber, and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Dive into a bowl of this deliciousness topped with fresh garnishes for an elevated experience.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large sweet onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast
- 30 ounces canned cannellini beans
- 7 ounces chopped green chiles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup frozen corn
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and oregano; cook until fragrant (1 minute).
- Stir in chicken breasts, beans, green chiles, corn, and broth; mix well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred it using forks, and return to the pot with cream cheese; stir until creamy.
- Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
