Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Nights

Crafting a delightful white chicken chili brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen table.

Hearty beans and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Sour cream and green chilies add a creamy, zesty twist to this classic comfort dish.

Perfectly balanced spices make this recipe a go-to meal for chilly evenings.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this chili comes together with minimal ingredients.

Simple yet satisfying, the dish promises to become a staple in your meal rotation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it again and again.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from traditional red chili?

This white chili uses white beans and green chilies instead of red beans and tomatoes, creating a creamy, milder flavor profile that sets it apart from classic chili recipes.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can easily increase the heat by adding more green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, or using hot sauce to suit your spice preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth and spice labels to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten sources.

• How can I make this chili healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, swap half-and-half with milk, add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach, and use lean chicken breast to reduce calories and increase nutrition.

Rich and Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Whip Up Comfort: This chili delivers ultimate cozy vibes with its rich, creamy texture that hugs your taste buds and warms you from the inside out.
• Customize with Ease: Grab your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips to make this dish totally your own personal masterpiece.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple recipe that comes together in a single pot, saving you precious time and energy after a long day.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Perfect for busy families, this chili requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it a go-to meal for anyone craving delicious comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the chili and provides hearty protein.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that add depth and rich flavor to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute a subtle heat and tangy taste.

• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps create the soup's base and enhances overall taste.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth dairy product that adds richness and creates a velvety texture.
• Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredients that increase the chili's creaminess.

• Spices: Essential for building complex flavor profile in the chili.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds a fresh, tangy note.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb used as a garnish to provide a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Tender Chicken Preparation

Brown chicken in a spacious pot over medium heat until fully cooked.

Shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a sharp knife.

Step 2: Aromatic Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Hearty Chili Blend

• Prepared chicken
• White beans
• Roasted green chilies
• Savory chicken broth
• Warming spices like cumin, oregano, and chili powder

Gently simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Creaminess

• Stirring cream cheese until completely melted
• Pouring in smooth half-and-half or heavy cream

Whisk continuously to ensure a silky, uniform consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Brighten the chili with fresh lime juice.

Garnish with chopped cilantro.

• Sliced jalapeños
• Shredded monterey jack cheese
• Crispy tortilla strips
• Sour cream dollop

Tips for Perfect Creamy Texture

• Use bone-in chicken breasts for richer, deeper taste that elevates the entire chili.
• Temper cream cheese by warming it slightly and stirring gradually to ensure smooth, silky texture without lumps.
• Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra depth of flavor without compromising nutrition.
• Adjust green chili quantity or use mild chilies for a kid-friendly version that's still packed with delicious southwestern vibes.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Variations to Customize White Chicken Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use almond milk instead of half-and-half for a lactose-free version.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with white beans or tofu, using vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of beans, and incorporate more chicken for a protein-packed, lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the creamy consistency.

Serving Ideas for Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chili in deep ceramic bowls that keep the dish warm, allowing the creamy texture to shine and providing a comforting dining experience.
• Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform this chili into a filling for soft tortillas, topped with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of extra cilantro for a Mexican-inspired meal.
• Bread Companion Delight: Pair with warm, crusty sourdough bread or cornbread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Game Day Champion: Serve in small individual ramekins as a hearty appetizer during sports gatherings, letting guests enjoy this crowd-pleasing chili with minimal fuss.

Storing Leftovers of White Chicken Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chili into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

White chicken chili showcases tender chicken in a rich, creamy broth with hearty beans and green chiles. Comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors in this simple, satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Liquids:

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• Juice of 1 lime

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional: shredded cheese
• Optional: sour cream
• Optional: avocado slices
• Optional: tortilla chips
• Optional: jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by simmering chicken in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, then meticulously shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Utilize the same cooking vessel to gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
3. Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the pot and incorporate white beans, roasted green chilies, savory chicken broth, and a blend of robust spices.
4. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, enabling the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
5. Introduce cream cheese to the simmering mixture, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
6. Pour in half-and-half or heavy cream, stirring to integrate and create a velvety, creamy consistency throughout the chili.
7. Brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice, which will provide a subtle tangy undertone to the warm, comforting chili.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve immediately, offering optional toppings such as crisp tortilla strips or additional herbs for personalization.

Notes

• Boost protein by adding extra shredded chicken or white beans for a heartier meal.
• Swap dairy cream for coconut milk to create a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add instant flavor depth without extra cooking steps.
• Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot green chilies based on personal heat preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg