White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, looking for a weeknight meal, or preparing for game day, this comforting chili will warm you up. With its rich flavors from cream cheese and green chilies, you’ll find it hard to resist a second serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this dish a smooth and velvety broth that you’ll love.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or tortilla strips to suit your taste.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with chicken and beans, this chili is a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is crucial. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the chili evenly without splatter.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables while keeping your kitchen organized.
• Sharp knife: A sharp blade makes chopping quick and easy, ensuring even pieces for cooking.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance in your chili.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe is easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot! The broth has the BEST creamy white broth with cream cheese, green chilies, corn, shredded chicken, and simple seasonings.

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

Base Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)

Beans and Vegetables

• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)
• Salt/Pepper
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)

Creamy Finish

• 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: Combine Seasonings

Combine the spices in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a 4 ½-quart pot over medium heat.
– Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
– Add minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

Add flour to the pot:
– Toss to coat vegetables.
– Cook for about 2 minutes until raw flour smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Broth

Gradually add chicken broth:
– Pour in small splashes while stirring continuously.
– Follow with half and half using the same method.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

For a thicker broth:
– Reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans and blend with ½ cup broth until smooth.
– Mix back into soup along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Season Up

Add seasonings along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies:
– Bring to a boil then let simmer gently uncovered for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season chicken with salt/pepper:
– Add it along with corn to the pot; simmer gently uncovered for another 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through:
– Remove chicken from pot; shred it before returning it back into the chili.

Step 9: Melt Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low:
– Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted into the chili.

Step 10: Final Taste Test

Taste your chili:
– Adjust seasonings as needed before serving it up with cornbread!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to complement your creamy chili.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a zesty brightness.
• Diced Avocado – Add creamy avocado for richness and a smooth texture.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the chili’s flavors.

Crunchy Toppings

• Tortilla Strips – Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Fritos – Use Fritos for a fun, crunchy topping that adds an extra layer of texture.
• Cheese – Grate Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.

Pair with Bread

• Cornbread – Serve with warm cornbread for a classic, comforting combination.
• Crusty Bread – Offer slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To make your White Chicken Chili even better, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh garlic, onions, and peppers to maximize flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your heat preference.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer develops deeper flavors; just be cautious not to overcook the chicken.
• Experiment with Beans – Try different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for varied textures and tastes.
• Serve Hot – Ensure your chili is served hot; this enhances the creamy texture and overall experience.

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 that complement its flavors.

1. Cornbread – A classic pairing; sweet and buttery cornbread balances the spiciness of the chili.
2. Green Salad – A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Mexican Rice – Fluffy Mexican rice complements the chili’s creaminess while adding more substance.
4. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully with the chili’s flavors; spread it on toasted bread or enjoy it on its own.
5. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled vegetables add smokiness and nutrition alongside your meal.
6. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes as a hearty side, perfect for scooping up chili.
7. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas make for a satisfying side that kids and adults love alike.
8. Chips and Salsa – A crunchy side like tortilla chips served with salsa makes for an enjoyable appetizer before diving into the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning placement: Adding all seasonings at once can lead to uneven flavor. Instead, add them gradually and taste as you go.
• Bold cooking temperature: Cooking the chili at too high a temperature can make the chicken tough. Always simmer gently for the best texture.
• Bold ignoring ingredient prep: Not properly preparing ingredients like dicing onions or mincing garlic can result in a less flavorful broth. Take the time to prep your ingredients finely.
• Bold skipping blending beans: If you skip blending some of the beans, your chili may be too thin. Reserve part of the beans and blend them for a thicker consistency.
• Bold neglecting cream cheese: Adding cream cheese too early can lead to clumps. Stir it in at low heat after cooking for a smooth texture.
• Bold overcrowding the pot: Overloading the pot with too much chicken or beans can hinder even cooking. Stick to recommended amounts for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow chili to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili.

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices. It’s comforting and perfect for any occasion.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute shredded chicken with your favorite plant-based protein or extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

How do I customize my White Chicken Chili?

You can customize it by adding more vegetables like corn or diced tomatoes, adjusting spice levels, or using different types of cheese on top.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Common toppings include diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges, and shredded Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese for added flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Frozen chicken can be used directly in this recipe; just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before shredding.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty dinner or serve it at gatherings, there’s plenty of room for customization based on personal taste. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and make it your own!