The Coziest Southwest White Chicken Chili Recipe For Fall

Southwest cooking often surprises me with its white chicken chili complexity and bold flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a comforting meal that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Peppers, beans, and tender chicken chunks create a remarkable texture that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy broth whispers hints of cumin and green chiles, making each spoonful an adventure.

Seasonal ingredients transform this classic dish into something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

Home kitchens can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal with simple techniques and minimal fuss.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this southwestern classic.

Benefits Of Southwest White Chicken Chili

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal steps and basic ingredients make this Southwest white chicken chili a breeze to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Flavors: Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing cayenne pepper, allowing personalization for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy texture and hearty protein create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or when craving something warm and filling.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in under an hour, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time, making it ideal for busy households seeking delicious dinner solutions.

Southwest White Chicken Chili Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides the hearty base for this Southwest-style chili.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor builders add depth and a savory foundation to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Provide a mild, tangy heat and authentic Southwest flavor profile.

• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and additional protein to the chili.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps cook the chicken and create the chili's consistency.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that add richness, creaminess, and help thicken the chili.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Ground Coriander, Cayenne Pepper: A complex spice blend that creates the signature Southwest flavor with warm, smoky, and slightly spicy notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used to sauté aromatics and sear the chicken, adding a subtle flavor to the base of the chili.

Instructions For Southwest White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté The Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and softens, releasing its sweet flavor.

Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pot for about a minute until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.

Step 2: Brown The Chicken

Introduce chicken breasts to the pot, creating a beautiful golden sear on each side.

This quick browning locks in the juicy flavors and creates a delicious foundation for the chili.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• White beans
• Diced green chilies
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Ground coriander
• Cayenne pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the spices to mingle and create a vibrant flavor profile.

Step 4: Slow Simmer And Tenderize

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and easily shreddable.

Step 5: Shred And Return

Carefully remove the chicken from the pot.

Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 6: Cream And Thicken

Stir in sour cream and heavy cream. Let the chili simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Step 7: Final Seasoning And Serve

Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Ladle the steaming chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of extra sour cream.

Helpful Tips For Southwest White Chicken Chili

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful chili.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
• Consider adding roasted corn or diced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Flavor Variations Of Southwest White Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or mixed beans for a plant-based protein alternative, keeping the same spice profile and creamy texture.
• Spicy Green Chili Edition: Increase green chili quantity and add jalapeños for a more intense heat level, perfect for those craving extra spiciness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute white beans with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the hearty chili consistency.
• Instant Pot Express: Convert the recipe for pressure cooking by combining all ingredients simultaneously and cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes, reducing total preparation time.

Best Sides For Southwest White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the chili into deep ceramic bowls, creating a warm, inviting meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Fiesta Topping Party: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to add color, texture, and zesty flavor.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or crusty sourdough to soak up the rich, creamy chili sauce and add delightful crunch.
• Hearty Meal Prep: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a quick, satisfying lunch at work or a grab-and-go dinner solution that tastes even better the next day.

Storing Methods For Southwest White Chicken Chili

• Store leftover Southwest White Chicken Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer the chili to a sealed container, ensuring it cools completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow the chili to reach room temperature before storing to maintain its best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level depends on your cayenne pepper amount. For mild, use just a pinch; for more kick, add more cayenne. You can always adjust spiciness to your preference.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and often provide more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before shredding.

• What type of white beans should I use?

Great northern beans or cannellini beans are perfect for this recipe. They hold their shape well and add nice creamy texture to the chili.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose low-sodium chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.

Easy Southwest White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southwest white chicken chili delivers a hearty, spicy twist on classic chili. Zesty jalapeños, tender chicken, and creamy white beans create a comforting meal you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced green chilies

Spices and Liquids:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onions and sautéing until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and toast for 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic essence without browning.
3. Introduce whole chicken breasts, creating a golden sear on each surface for enhanced flavor complexity, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Cascade chicken broth into the pot, followed by white beans, green chilies, and a harmonious blend of spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and optional cayenne for heat.
5. Encourage the mixture to gently simmer, covering and allowing ingredients to meld together for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and can be effortlessly shredded.
6. Extract chicken from liquid, carefully deconstruct into delicate shreds using two forks, then reintegrate into the developing chili.
7. Enrich the chili by swirling in sour cream and heavy cream, permitting the mixture to softly bubble and thicken for an additional 7-10 minutes.
8. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting to personal preference. Serve piping hot, accompanied by preferred garnishes.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest protein and easiest shredding after cooking.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.
• Use fresh green chilies when possible for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile compared to canned varieties.
• Consider low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version of the chili without compromising creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg