Hearty Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili can transform your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort.

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty dish that promises rich, satisfying flavors.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a velvety broth packed with robust spices and creamy textures.

Beans and green chiles add delightful complexity to every savory spoonful.

Nutritious ingredients combine seamlessly, creating a meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Home cooks of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Let this chili become your new go-to comfort food that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Tips To Enhance Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Swap regular chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
• Opt for low-fat sour cream and half-and-half to create a lighter version of this creamy chili.
• Enhance protein by adding quinoa or extra white beans for vegetarian-friendly alternatives.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for more heat kick.

Flavor Variations For Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream and heavy cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add diced jalapeños, swap green chilies for chipotle peppers, and include a dash of smoked paprika to create a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
• Lean Protein Modification: Substitute chicken with turkey or plant-based chicken alternative for a lower-fat option that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.
• Vegetarian Bean Blend: Remove chicken completely, increase white bean variety with cannellini and great northern beans, and add roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for extra nutrition.

How to Pair Foods with Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this chili as the star of a warm family meal, accompanied by soft cornbread or fluffy rice to soak up the creamy broth.
• Healthy Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers for a delicious lunch option that stays creamy and flavorful when reheated at work or school.
• Game Day Comfort Bowl: Set up a chili bar with toppings like shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and extra cilantro, letting guests customize their bowls during sports gatherings.
• Elegant Dinner Party Starter: Serve in smaller portions as a sophisticated appetizer in cute mini bowls, garnished with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an impressive first course.

FAQs

• What type of beans work best in this chili?

Great Northern or cannellini beans are perfect because they’re creamy, soft, and blend well with the chicken and spices.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the chili, making preparation even easier.

• Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and spices, but you can adjust by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste preference.

• How can I make this chili healthier?

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

Features Of Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Customize and Comfort: Personalize this chili with your favorite toppings like crispy tortilla strips, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of extra sour cream for a meal that feels uniquely yours.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this hearty chili in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner that doesn't require hours of cooking.
• Protein-Packed Goodness: Loaded with tender shredded chicken and creamy white beans, this recipe delivers a nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the evening.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, comforting meal with your loved ones.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Ingredient Essentials

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that provides the hearty base for this creamy chili.

• White Beans, Green Chilies, Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add texture, mild heat, and depth of flavor to the chili.

• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm and complex taste profile for the dish.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: These ingredients combine to create a rich and smooth texture that makes the chili luxuriously creamy.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing the aromatics and helps develop the initial flavor of the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro, Cheese: These toppings add a fresh and tangy finishing touch to the chili.

Step-by-Step Guide For Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium warmth. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, dancing them around until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Awaken Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir and cook these vibrant spices until they become incredibly aromatic and start to bloom with intense flavor.

Step 3: Build Hearty Foundation

• Shredded chicken
• White beans
• Green chilies
• Chicken broth

Pour everything into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Creaminess

• Sour cream
• Heavy cream

Stir these rich elements into the chili, allowing them to meld and create a velvety texture.

Let the chili simmer softly for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touch

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Serve piping hot, with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of cheese for extra indulgence.

Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich and comforting white chicken chili showcases tender chicken, hearty beans, and a luscious cream base. Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, offering a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced green chilies

Beans and Liquid Base:

• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce cumin, oregano, and chili powder to the pot, stirring continuously to release their robust flavors and prevent burning.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken, tender white beans, roasted green chilies, and rich chicken broth into the mixture, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a gentle bubbling state.
4. Reduce the heat to low, gently fold in velvety sour cream and luxurious heavy cream, allowing the chili to simmer and meld flavors for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
5. Calibrate the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to your preference.
6. Ladle the creamy chili into warm bowls, optionally adorning with fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

• Swap cream options for lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calories and fat content.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage for added vitamins and fiber.
• Make the chili gluten-free by ensuring chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Prepare chicken in advance by using rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken to cut down on total cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 308 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg