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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Utilize the same cooking vessel to gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
- Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the pot and incorporate white beans, roasted green chilies, savory chicken broth, and a blend of robust spices.
- Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, enabling the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Introduce cream cheese to the simmering mixture, stirring continuously until completely dissolved and creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Pour in half-and-half or heavy cream, stirring to integrate and create a velvety, creamy consistency throughout the chili.
- Brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice, which will provide a subtle tangy undertone to the warm, comforting chili.
- 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