Creamy White Chicken Chili

This Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish will surely become a family favorite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that you can enjoy at any time—whether it’s a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This chili cooks in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices and creamy ingredients creates a deliciously comforting dish.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime juice, or tortilla strips.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is both nutritious and filling.
• Make Ahead Option: This chili can be made ahead and stored for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to sauté ingredients comfortably without overcrowding.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, making prep work faster and safer.

Ingredients

This flavorful white chicken chili recipe is a creamy and cozy dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes! Add some fresh toppings, and you’ve got an irresistible chili for busy weeknights.

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Chili

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans (drained)
• 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies (with juices)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For Creaminess

• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly) (softened)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For Serving

• Lime juice, avocado, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, etc.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly browned for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are no longer pink on the outside.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients except for cream cheese and salt & pepper. Increase heat to bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut cream cheese into cubes. Microwave it for about 30 seconds to soften it further. Stir it into the chili, allowing it to melt thoroughly over another 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls topped with your choice of lime juice, avocado, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, or tortilla strips. Enjoy your delicious Creamy White Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many delicious ways. Serving it with the right toppings and sides can elevate your meal experience.

Toppings

• Avocado – Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and a fresh taste.
• Cilantro – Chopped cilantro brings a burst of flavor and brightness.
• Lime Juice – A squeeze of lime enhances the chili’s flavors with a zesty kick.
• Mexican Cheese Blend – Sprinkle this cheese on top for added richness and gooeyness.
• Tortilla Strips – Crispy tortilla strips provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy chili.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet, hearty addition.
• Rice – A scoop of fluffy rice works well to soak up the chili’s creamy goodness.
• Salad – A light salad with greens can balance out the richness of the chili.

How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili

Achieving the perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs provide better flavor than canned or frozen options.
• Cook Chicken Thoroughly – Ensure chicken pieces are cooked through for safety and texture; they should not be pink.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually – Start with less salt and pepper, tasting as you go to find your desired flavor.
• Incorporate Cream Cheese Properly – Heat cream cheese slightly before adding it to ensure smooth mixing into the chili.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices like cumin or chili powder based on personal preference for heat levels.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy White Chicken Chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread – Sweet and moist, cornbread complements the chili’s flavors wonderfully. Serve warm for best results.
2. Rice – Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying.
3. Guacamole – This rich dip adds extra creaminess while enhancing flavor; perfect for dipping tortilla chips!
4. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled until tender offer a smoky contrast that pairs beautifully with chili.
5. Pico de Gallo – Fresh salsa adds crunch and acidity, brightening each spoonful of chili.
6. Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream on top provides coolness that balances the spice in the chili.
7. Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette keeps things light and refreshing alongside this hearty dish.
8. Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up the chili, adding texture to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient quality – Using low-quality chicken or canned beans can affect the flavor. Always opt for fresh or high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Aim to cook it just until no longer pink to keep it juicy.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Not tasting your chili before serving can lead to blandness. Always adjust salt, pepper, and spices based on your preference.
• Neglecting garnishes – Failing to add fresh toppings can miss out on enhancing the dish’s flavor and presentation. Consider lime juice, avocado, or cheese for added zest.
• Rushing the cooking process – Trying to speed up cooking times may lead to uneven flavors. Allow each step to develop fully for a rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will last up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe containers, stirring halfway through for even heating, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Creamy White Chicken Chili that might help you make this delicious dish even better!

Can I use other meats in this Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even lean beef if you prefer a different meat flavor.

How spicy is this Creamy White Chicken Chili?

This recipe uses mild green chilies, making it quite mild. If you want more heat, consider adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.

Can I make this Creamy White Chicken Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with canned chickpeas or vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What toppings go well with Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include diced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, and shredded cheese. Feel free to customize!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its creamy base combined with fresh toppings allows for endless customization options. Try adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy chili combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and flavorful spices, creating a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With just 35 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a rich and delicious bowl of chili any day of the week. Top it with fresh avocado, zesty lime juice, or crispy tortilla strips to customize your experience. It’s not just dinner; it’s a warm hug in a bowl!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans (drained)
• 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies (with juices)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Lime juice, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent (5-7 minutes).
2. Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook until no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, white beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and oregano; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cube softened cream cheese and stir into the chili until melted (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with toppings like lime juice and avocado.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg