White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful comfort dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy textures, and a hint of spice. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this chili promises to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or freezer-friendly cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety consistency that elevates the entire dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your chili with various toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or salsa to suit your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for busy days, ensuring you always have a delicious meal on hand.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber from chicken and beans, this chili is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make this White Chicken Chili recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Meat thermometer
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups and stews evenly without burning.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked thoroughly to the safe temperature of 165°F.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding chicken and prepping ingredients.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe includes flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Chili Base

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed) (19oz or 591ml)
• 1 can sweet corn (drained) (12oz or 341ml)
• 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
• 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Creaminess

• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (125g)

Optional Thickener

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For Serving

• Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese or jalapenos)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To begin, add the chicken breasts to a Dutch oven along with the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. A meat thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot onto a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Next, incorporate the white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Melt in Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Stir these cubes into the pot until they melt completely into the mixture. Cover again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to your simmering chili and stir well for further thickening.

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Finally, serve your White Chicken Chili warm with optional toppings such as additional hot sauce, chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos according to your preference!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty meal or a light snack, the right toppings and sides can elevate this creamy chili to new heights.

Toppings

• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add texture and richness.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors with a zesty kick.
• Salsa: Fresh salsa complements the chili’s creaminess with its tangy freshness.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully on top.
• Jalapenos: For those who enjoy heat, sliced jalapenos provide an extra spicy touch.

Chips

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for dipping and add a delightful contrast to the chili’s creaminess.
• Corn Chips: These can also be used as a base for a chili nacho platter.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

Creating the ideal White Chicken Chili takes some attention to detail. Here are tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables provide better flavor than canned options.
• Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by using more or less hot sauce based on your preference.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the chili to simmer enhances all the flavors and gives it a thicker consistency.
• Incorporate more beans: Adding extra beans not only boosts nutrition but also enhances texture.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different combinations of toppings to find your perfect match.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this creamy dish wonderfully.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic pairing that balances the savory chili.
2. Garden Salad: A refreshing salad adds crunch and lightness alongside your hearty bowl of chili.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add depth and are easy to prepare on the side.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides a nice base for soaking up the chili’s flavors.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make for an indulgent addition that everyone will love.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad adds nutrition and pairs well with the creaminess of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this White Chicken Chili recipe, it’s easy to stumble. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Phrase: Not Shredding the Chicken Properly – Failing to shred the chicken into small pieces can lead to uneven distribution in the chili. Use two forks to shred effectively after cooking.
• Bold Phrase: Skipping the Broth – Using only water instead of broth can dilute flavors. Always opt for low-sodium chicken broth for depth in your White Chicken Chili recipe.
• Bold Phrase: Overcooking the Cream Cheese – If you cook the cream cheese too long, it can become clumpy. Stir it in and simmer just until melted for a creamy texture.
• Bold Phrase: Ignoring Spice Levels – Not adjusting spices according to personal preference can make the chili bland or overly spicy. Taste as you go and modify hot sauce and chili powder accordingly.
• Bold Phrase: Not Letting It Simmer – Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from melding together. Allow it to simmer on low heat for at least 10 minutes after adding all ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for tracking.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in a covered dish, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute increments, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this White Chicken Chili recipe that might help you out.

How do I make a vegetarian version of White Chicken Chili?

You can replace the chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure you extend your cooking time slightly when boiling them initially.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Delicious options include avocado slices, lime wedges, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or tortilla chips for added crunch!

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?

The spice level is adjustable based on how much green hot sauce and chili powder you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!

Can I add other beans?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in black beans or pinto beans along with white kidney beans for more variety and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Its creamy texture combined with a kick of spice makes it incredibly satisfying. Don’t hesitate to customize it further by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy textures and a hint of spice. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Packed with protein and fiber from chicken and beans, this chili is not only delicious but also nutritious. Customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it an ideal option for meal prep. Enjoy a warm bowl of this hearty chili that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (19oz)
• 1 can sweet corn (12oz)
• 1 can green chiles (4oz)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• Toppings: avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, jalapenos

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven, add chicken breasts and chicken broth; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Remove the chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
3. Stir in white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
4. Cut cream cheese into cubes; stir into the pot until melted. Simmer for another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
5. For thickness, mix cornstarch with water; add to the chili if desired and stir well.
6. Serve warm with optional toppings such as avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, shredded cheese, or jalapeños.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 80mg