White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its creamy broth and a rich blend of flavors, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. The combination of cream cheese, green chilies, and tender shredded chicken creates a unique twist on the classic chili. Whether you’re using a stove top or crock pot, this dish is versatile and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 65 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying broth that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this chili with your favorite toppings or add extra vegetables.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, this chili is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this dish is both nutritious and filling.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your White Chicken Chili, gather the necessary tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot (4 1/2-quart)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Food processor or blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing room for stirring without splattering.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes cutting onions, jalapenos, and other ingredients quick and easy.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe features a delightful mix of spices and fresh ingredients.

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Vegetables

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Base Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)

Protein

• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast

Beans and Corn

• Salt/Pepper
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can sub frozen corn.)

Creamy Element

• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

Toppings

Lime wedges, Diced Avocado, Sour cream, Tortilla Strips, Fritos, Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Seasonings

Combine all spices in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the cooked vegetables. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually

Pour in chicken broth slowly while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Follow by adding half-and-half in a similar manner.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If desired, reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans. Blend it with ½ cup broth using a food processor or immersion blender until smooth. Add this mixture back into the soup along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add seasonings from step one along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil; let boil uncovered for about 15 minutes before reducing heat to simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season each side of chicken breast with salt and pepper before adding it along with sweet corn into the pot. Let simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove chicken from pot. Use two forks to shred it before returning it back into the chili.

Step 9: Add Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low; stir in softened cream cheese until it fully melts into the chili broth.

Step 10: Final Adjustments

Taste your White Chicken Chili before serving; adjust seasoning as needed if you prefer more flavor. Serve warm alongside cornbread!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal to new heights. This dish is not only hearty and comforting but also versatile. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

With Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast that balances the spice.
• Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado provides a rich texture and cool flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime juice enhances the chili’s flavors and adds brightness.
• Cheese: Sprinkle Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese for an extra creamy bite.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips add texture and make each spoonful more exciting.

As a Main Dish

• Cornbread: Serve your chili with warm cornbread for a classic pairing.
• Rice: A scoop of rice can help soak up the delicious broth, making for a filling meal.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a crusty bread loaf and fill it with chili for a fun, edible serving option.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To achieve the best White Chicken Chili, pay attention to these tips. Each detail can enhance the overall flavor and texture of your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a big difference in taste.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeno and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
• Blend Some Beans: For a creamier texture, blend part of the beans before adding them back into the soup.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
2. Garden Salad: A light salad can provide freshness and balance out the richness of the chili.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add depth and smokiness alongside your chili.
4. Spanish Rice: Flavorful Spanish rice offers a nice base that absorbs all that delicious broth.
5. Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese and jalapenos make for an indulgent snack alongside your chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes are perfect for scooping up chili or serving it over top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning step: Failing to combine and add seasonings properly can lead to bland chili. Make sure to mix them well before adding them to the pot.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too quickly can make it tough. Allow it to simmer gently for the best texture.

• Not adjusting the thickness: If your chili is too thin, you might forget to blend some beans. Reserve a portion for blending to create a thicker consistency.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect flavor. Opt for fresh produce and good-quality chicken for a rich taste.

• Rushing the cooking time: Quick cooking can compromise flavors. Take your time to let everything simmer and meld together for a delicious outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep White Chicken Chili in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, stirring occasionally.

• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir halfway through heating for even temperature.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili.

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Yes! This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer.

What can I use as toppings for White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include lime wedges, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, Fritos, and shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.

How spicy is White Chicken Chili?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeno and cayenne pepper you use. Adjust according to your preference for heat!

Is this recipe healthy?

White Chicken Chili can be a healthy option as it’s packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans and corn.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only creamy and comforting but also versatile enough for customization. Feel free to adjust spices or add different toppings according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, offering a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This easy recipe blends tender shredded chicken with creamy broth, green chilies, and an array of spices to create a warm bowl of goodness that everyone will love. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this versatile dish can be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also packs in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious option for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ⅓ cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion and jalapeno for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth.
5. Blend part of the beans for a thicker consistency if desired; add all remaining ingredients including seasonings.
6. Bring to a gentle boil; simmer uncovered while adding seasoned chicken breast and corn.
7. Cook until chicken is done; shred and stir back into the chili along with cream cheese until melted.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg