White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. With its creamy texture, tender shredded chicken, and a perfect blend of spices, it’s ideal for cozy nights in or gathering with friends. Plus, this chili is make-ahead and freezer-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes this chili ultra-thick and satisfying.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or jalapenos.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and freeze for a quick meal later.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from chicken and beans, this dish is both nutritious and hearty.

Tools and Preparation

To create your White Chicken Chili recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process while ensuring everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Large cutting board
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups and stews evenly due to its heat retention.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked thoroughly to the safe temperature of 165°F, preventing undercooking.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients like cornstarch and water to thicken your chili.

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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—perfect for pantry cooking.

Protein & Broth

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Beans & Vegetables

• 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)

Seasonings & Creaminess

• 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature (125g)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)

For Serving

• Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Simmer the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken breasts and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (a meat thermometer should read 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 with the broth.

Step 3: Add Beans and Spices

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

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Stir them into the pot until fully incorporated. Cover again and simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the cream cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili, mix together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Gradually add this mixture to your simmering chili while stirring continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Serve hot with additional toppings like chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos—whatever suits your taste! Enjoy your hearty bowl of White Chicken Chili!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it simple or loaded with toppings, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Toppings

• Avocado – Creamy and rich, diced avocado adds a refreshing touch.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors and adds zest.
• Salsa – Choose your favorite salsa for an extra kick and texture.
• Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, savory addition.
• Jalapenos – For heat lovers, sliced jalapenos bring spice to the bowl.
• Chips – Serve alongside tortilla chips for crunch and dipping fun.

Bowls

• Rice Bowl – Serve over a bed of rice for a hearty meal option.
• Taco Salad – Top with lettuce and other salad ingredients for a fresh twist.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To ensure your White Chicken Chili turns out delicious every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables heighten the flavors in your chili.
• Adjust spice levels – Tailor the heat by adding more or less chili powder or hot sauce according to your taste.
• Shred chicken properly – Use two forks to shred chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the chili.
• Melt cream cheese thoroughly – Stir until fully melted to create a creamy consistency without lumps.
• Let it simmer longer – Allowing the chili to simmer can deepen the flavors even further.
• Experiment with toppings – Try different combinations of toppings to find your perfect match.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread – Sweet and buttery, cornbread complements chili perfectly while adding texture.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs nicely with the spices in the chili, offering a cool contrast.
3. Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chili.
4. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with leftover chili for a filling combo.
5. Nachos – Tortilla chips loaded with cheese and jalapenos make a fun side dish or appetizer.
6. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a healthy, colorful addition that complements the dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your White Chicken Chili recipe even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly ignoring seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
• Boldly skipping the simmer: Rushing the cooking process by not allowing the chili to simmer can prevent flavors from developing. Make sure to let it simmer for the recommended time.
• Boldly overcooking chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
• Boldly neglecting toppings: Missing out on toppings can make your dish less exciting. Consider adding avocado, lime wedges, or jalapenos for extra flavor.
• Boldly using canned ingredients without rinsing: Not rinsing canned beans and corn can add excess sodium. Always drain and rinse them before adding to your chili.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as it will expand when frozen.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers some common questions about making the White Chicken Chili recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken in this White Chicken Chili recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the simmer time until fully cooked.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include avocado, cheese, lime wedges, jalapenos, and tortilla chips for added crunch.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?

The spiciness level depends on your choice of hot sauce and green chiles. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your taste preference.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is creamy and comforting while being easy to customize. Whether you add more spices or different toppings, it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Give it a try today!