Cozy Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Whipping up a hearty and comforting spicy white chicken chili promises to become your new winter favorite.

Culinary magic happens when tender chicken meets creamy white beans and zesty peppers.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, creating a warm embrace of southwestern comfort.

Bright jalapeños and rich spices spark excitement in this soul-warming dish.

Unexpected depth comes from carefully selected ingredients that surprise and delight.

Comfort food meets bold excitement in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this chili for those chilly evenings when only something truly satisfying will do.

Ingredients for Spicy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that provides the primary protein base for the chili.

• Onion, Garlic, Jalapenos: A flavorful trio that creates a spicy and fragrant foundation for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid for cooking and building depth of flavor.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild, tangy heat to complement the other spices.
• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Paprika, Cayenne: A robust spice blend that gives the chili its signature bold and spicy profile.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth texture and adds a subtle tangy creaminess to the chili.
• Beans, Corn: Provide additional texture, heartiness, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Juice: Bright, fresh garnishes that add a zesty and herbal contrast to the warm chili.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.

How to Prepare Spicy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Create a flavor base by warming olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapenos.

Let them dance and soften, releasing their tantalizing aromas.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Introduce chicken pieces to the pot, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden exterior.

Once browned, gently remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper

Stir everything together, creating a symphony of spices.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Return chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer gently.

Allow the meat to become tender and infused with rich flavors, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Shred and Enhance

Pull out the chicken, shred it into delectable pieces, and return to the pot.

• White beans
• Corn kernels

Step 6: Creamy Transformation

Introduce cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 7: Final Flavor Adjustment

Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a zingy lime juice squeeze.

Prepare for a flavor explosion!

Pro Tips for Spicy and Creamy Chili

• Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts or thighs quickly and evenly for the perfect texture.
• Reduce or increase cayenne and jalapenos to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized chili experience.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding to help it melt smoothly into the chili without lumps.
• Toast cumin and chili powder in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities.
• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.

Variations to Spice Up Your Chili

• Vegetarian Protein Chili: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Green Chili: Swap beans and corn with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of cream cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except cream cheese to a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in cream cheese before serving.

Serving Ideas for White Chicken Chili

• Comfort Bowl Bliss: Pair this spicy white chicken chili with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying texture contrast.
• Toppings Fiesta: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop of sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, or diced green onions on top to enhance flavor and create a visually appealing dish.
• Side Kick Companions: Serve alongside a fresh, zesty green salad with avocado slices or a light Mexican-style rice to balance the chili's rich and spicy profile and create a complete meal.
• Cool Down Companion: Add a refreshing drink like a cold Mexican beer, citrus-infused water, or a tangy margarita to complement the chili's heat and provide a perfect dining experience.

Storage Advice for Spicy Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• 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 date and contents.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving slight venting. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What makes this chili different from traditional red chili?

This white chili uses chicken instead of beef and features a creamy base with green chilies, creating a lighter and more tangy flavor profile compared to classic red chili.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the amount of jalapenos and cayenne pepper you add. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your taste preference.

• Can I use canned beans for this recipe?

Yes, canned beans work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the chili to reduce sodium and maintain a good texture. Recommended beans include white kidney beans or great northern beans.

Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe to Warm Up

• Warm Up Quickly: Perfect for chilly evenings, this spicy white chicken chili delivers comfort and heat in one delicious bowl.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeño and cayenne amounts to suit every family member's taste preferences.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Loaded with chicken and beans, this recipe provides substantial nutrition and keeps hunger at bay for hours.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot, making meal preparation and post-dinner washing a breeze.

Spicy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired spicy white chicken chili delivers hearty comfort in a bowl packed with robust flavors and creamy textures. Protein-rich beans and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn
• 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies

Spices, Herbs, and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust pot over medium-high heat, creating a fragrant base by sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños until they transform into a translucent, aromatic mixture.
2. Introduce chicken pieces to the pot, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior by carefully browning on all surfaces. Once achieved, temporarily transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Infuse the pot with robust chicken broth, vibrant green chilies, earthy cumin, aromatic oregano, warming chili powder, smoky paprika, and fiery cayenne, whisking these ingredients into a harmonious blend.
4. Reintroduce the browned chicken to the liquid, covering the pot and allowing the contents to gently simmer at medium-low heat for approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring complete chicken cooking.
5. Extract the chicken, meticulously shred using two forks, and return the tender meat back to the bubbling liquid, accompanied by creamy white beans and sweet corn kernels.
6. Incorporate softened cream cheese, stirring consistently until it melts completely and integrates seamlessly into the chili, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
7. Allow the chili to gently bubble for an additional 5 minutes, melding flavors and reaching optimal serving temperature. Fine-tune seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Present the chili piping hot, embellished with fresh cilantro sprigs and a zesty lime wedge for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño and cayenne quantities for milder or spicier results.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer, more tender meat that absorbs flavors more deeply.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and reduce overall fat content.
• Enhance protein by adding quinoa or extra beans, making the chili more filling and nutritionally balanced.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg