White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends. Its creamy texture, enhanced by shredded chicken, white beans, and corn, makes it a standout dish. With just the right kick of spice, this chili is both filling and flavorful. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this chili comes together quickly.
• Creamy and Delicious: The addition of cream cheese gives this dish a rich texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Top your chili with avocado, lime wedges, or cheese for a personalized touch.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later on.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this recipe fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best White Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or soup pot
• Cutting board
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering the chili evenly without scorching.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding chicken easily.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked thoroughly at 165°F.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like cornstarch and water if you choose to thicken your chili.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer-friendly; it’s perfect for pantry cooking.

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed (19oz or 591ml))
• 1 can sweet corn (drained (12oz or 341ml))
• 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
• 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature (125g))
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese or jalapenos, for serving)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot onto a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the broth.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir it into the pot. Cover and let simmer over medium-low heat for an additional 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to help melt the cream cheese thoroughly.

Step 5: Thicken If Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili, combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into your simmering chili to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious White Chicken Chili hot! Add toppings like extra hot sauce, chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

Serving your White Chicken Chili recipe can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement this creamy, comforting dish.

Toppings

• Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the chili.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the chili, enhancing its flavors.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for an extra kick and added freshness.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar melts into the chili, adding richness.
• Jalapenos: For those who love heat, fresh or pickled jalapenos bring a spicy crunch.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: This classic pairing adds a touch of sweetness and is perfect for dipping.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide a fun way to scoop up the chili while adding texture.
• Rice: Serving the chili over rice can make it more filling and hearty.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

Creating the ultimate White Chicken Chili recipe involves attention to detail. Here are some tips for perfection:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor and texture compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust Spice Level: Tailor the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce or chili powder based on your preference.
• Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors, making it even tastier.
• Experiment with Beans: Mixing different types of beans like navy beans or cannellini can add variety in flavor and texture.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for additional nutrition and flavor complexity.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

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

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious chili broth.
2. Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chili.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while complementing the chili’s flavors.
4. Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette offers a light, crisp balance to the meal.
5. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are easy to prepare and serve as a tasty accompaniment for dipping in chili.
6. Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cheese, jalapenos, and other toppings for a shareable treat alongside your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your White Chicken Chili recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Raw Chicken: Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked before shredding. A meat thermometer should read 165°F to guarantee safety.
• Skipping the Broth: Using water instead of broth can result in bland chili. Stick with low-sodium chicken broth for depth of flavor.
• Not Shredding Chicken Properly: If the chicken isn’t shredded finely enough, it may not mix well with the other ingredients. Use two forks to shred it thoroughly.
• Forget to Adjust Spice Levels: It’s important to taste and adjust spices as needed. Start with less and add more if desired.
• Overcooking Cream Cheese: When adding cream cheese, stir gently and avoid high heat. This prevents it from curdling and helps achieve a creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, transfer chili to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the White Chicken Chili recipe that can help you make this delicious dish even better.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe in advance?

Yes! This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

You can serve your chili with avocado, lime wedges, cheese, salsa, or jalapenos for an extra kick!

How do I customize this White Chicken Chili recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. You can also adjust the spices according to your taste preference.

Can I use other types of beans?

Certainly! If you prefer a different texture or flavor, try using pinto beans or cannellini beans instead of white kidney beans.

Is this White Chicken Chili recipe healthy?

Absolutely! With lean protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, this chili offers a balanced meal option that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Final Thoughts

This creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table!

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: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this White Chicken Chili recipe, a creamy delight that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights at home to lively gatherings. Bursting with flavor, this dish features tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and sweet corn, all enveloped in a luscious creamy broth. A hint of spice adds warmth without overwhelming your taste buds, making it both satisfying and approachable. Not only is it freezer-friendly for quick weeknight meals, but it also boasts versatility—customize with your favorite toppings or sides to make it uniquely yours. Try this easy and delicious White Chicken Chili today to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (19 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can sweet corn (12 oz), drained
• 1 can green chiles (4 oz)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• hot sauce
• chili powder
• onion powder
• salt

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, simmer chicken and broth for 15 minutes until cooked (165°F).
2. Shred the chicken on a cutting board using two forks; return to the pot with broth.
3. Stir in beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
4. Cube and incorporate cream cheese; simmer for another 10 minutes until melted.
5. For thickness, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the chili if desired.
6. Serve hot with toppings like avocado or lime wedges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg