Warm Up with Cozy White Chicken Chili
If you’re craving a bowl of comforting goodness, look no further than white chicken chili. This creamy, satisfying dish blends tender chicken, hearty white beans, and zesty spices, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. The best part? It comes together in just one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
White chicken chili isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few. This dish is a winner for family dinners, casual game days, or even a cozy date night in.
“This white chicken chili is now a staple in our house. It’s creamy, flavorful, and even my picky kids love it!” – Sarah, a satisfied home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Making white chicken chili is a breeze and an enjoyable activity in the kitchen. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a rich base, then combine it all in one pot, making this an effortless dish to whip up after a long day. The creamy texture comes from the addition of cream cheese, which melds beautifully with the spices and beans. Let’s break it down step by step!
Gather These Items
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes (or use shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 3 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern; do not drain)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
Feel free to substitute chicken with your favorite lean protein or even go vegetarian by using mixed veggies instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and allow to cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in cumin, chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add white beans (with their liquid), green chilies, and corn. Mix well.
- Incorporate the seasoned chicken and bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat to simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and blended. Adjust seasoning as necessary and consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy with your choice of garnishes!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
White chicken chili is versatile! Top it off with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for an added kick. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. Feeling fancy? Serve it in bread bowls for a fun presentation!
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftover white chicken chili, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simmer it on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For a burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
- If you’re short on time, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels by using different types of green chilies or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
Creative Twists
The beauty of white chicken chili lies in its adaptability! Try adding different beans like black beans for more color, or toss in some chopped bell peppers for additional crunch. Make it creamy with a splash of half-and-half or experiment with various spices to personalize the flavor.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare white chicken chili?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and total cooking time is 30-35 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or cauliflower, and you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for quick meals later!
Now you’re all set to whip up a delicious pot of white chicken chili that will warm your soul and please even the pickiest eaters. Happy cooking!
PrintWarm Up with Cozy White Chicken Chili
A creamy, satisfying white chicken chili made with tender chicken, hearty white beans, and zesty spices, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern; do not drain)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and allow to cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in cumin, chili powder, oregano, and smoked paprika until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add white beans (with their liquid), green chilies, and corn. Mix well.
- Incorporate the seasoned chicken and bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat to simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and blended. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Top it off with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. Pairs beautifully with crusty bread or tortilla chips.