White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The creamy white broth, enriched with cream cheese and packed with flavor from green chilies, corn, and shredded chicken, makes it stand out. Easy to prepare on the stove or in a crock pot, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to follow and takes only about 15 minutes to prep.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and spices creates a rich, delicious chili that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Perfect for various occasions, serve it on its own or pair it with cornbread or tortilla strips.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this dish is nutritious too.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or cheese to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing this White Chicken Chili even easier. Below are the essential equipment you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly without crowding.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware; it helps mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Blender (optional): If you wish to thicken the broth by blending some beans, this tool makes it easy.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe features a blend of wholesome ingredients that create an irresistible meal.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Base Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour

Broth Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)
• Salt/Pepper to taste
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

Optional Toppings

• Lime wedges
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Tortilla strips
• Fritos
• Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Combine the Seasonings

First, gather all your seasonings into a bowl and mix them together. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
– Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture.
– Toss everything to coat well.
– Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw smell of flour disappears.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously.
– Follow by adding the half and half in small splashes.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

If you want a thicker texture:
– Reserve one heaping cup of drained beans.
– Blend them with ½ cup broth using a food processor or immersion blender before adding back into the pot along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Season & Simmer

Add in the combined seasonings along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies.
– Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low; let simmer gently uncovered for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper before adding it to the pot along with corn.
– Allow to simmer gently uncovered for another 15–20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through:
– Remove chicken from pot, shred it with two forks, then return it back into the pot.

Step 9: Stir in Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low again.
– Add softened cream cheese into the chili; stir continuously until fully melted.

Step 10: Adjust & Serve

Taste your chili and adjust seasonings if needed before serving hot alongside cornbread or your favorite toppings!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. This creamy, flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments that enhance its taste and texture.

With Toppings

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a zesty freshness that brightens the chili.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the spice and adds richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the heat and adds creaminess.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy strips provide a delightful contrast to the smooth broth.
• Fritos: These corn chips add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
• Cheese: Shredded Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully atop the chili.

With Bread

• Cornbread: Soft, sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili’s rich broth.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of hearty bread is great for dipping into this creamy bowl of goodness.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting White Chicken Chili is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out deliciously every time.

• Bold Seasonings: Don’t be shy with the spices; they are essential for depth of flavor in your chili.
• Thicken Wisely: Blending some beans can create a thicker broth without losing any bean goodness.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables like onions and jalapenos for better flavor and crunch.
• Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the chili to simmer gently helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings during cooking for a personalized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy, it’s perfect for dipping into your chili.
2. Avocado Salad: A light salad with fresh avocados adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.
3. Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice complements the creamy texture of the chili well.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies offer a smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the dish.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and flavor that enhances every bite of chili.
6. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Crispy, cheesy bread is great for scooping up chili and adds indulgence to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold seasoning errors: Not measuring your spices correctly can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always use measuring spoons and taste as you go.

• Bold chicken preparation mishaps: Skipping the step of seasoning the chicken can result in bland meat. Make sure to season each side generously with salt and pepper before adding it to the pot.

• Bold neglecting simmer time: Cooking the chili too quickly at high heat will toughen the chicken. Be patient and let it simmer gently for the optimal texture.

• Bold improper thickening techniques: Adding all the beans whole without blending some can lead to a thinner broth. Reserve a cup of beans, blend them, and stir them back in for a creamier consistency.

• Bold overlooking cream cheese: Adding cream cheese too late or at too high of a temperature can make it clump. Reduce the heat and stir it in slowly until fully melted for a smooth chili.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• White Chicken Chili lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer chili to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making White Chicken Chili that may help you enhance your cooking experience.

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a variety of spices that create a flavorful broth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast; just increase the cooking time slightly and ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.

How can I customize my White Chicken Chili?

You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, adjust spice levels with additional jalapenos or hot sauce, or swap out cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! This White Chicken Chili is packed with protein from chicken and beans while being lower in calories than traditional chili recipes due to its creamy base made with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

How do I make it spicier?

To increase the spice level, add more cayenne pepper or include fresh diced jalapeños. You can also try using hotter varieties of green chilies.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers amazing versatility. You can customize it with various toppings like avocado or cheese, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone!

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White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 portions 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of this White Chicken Chili, a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and zesty green chilies, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious. The rich broth, thickened with cream cheese and seasoned to perfection, makes it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the versatility of this recipe by customizing your toppings or pairing it with cornbread for a delightful meal experience. Whether prepared on the stove or in a crockpot, this comforting chili is sure to become a household favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ⅓ cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Combine seasonings in a bowl; set aside.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and jalapeño until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, mix well, and cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring; then stir in half and half.
5. For a thicker texture, blend one cup of drained beans with half a cup of broth before adding back to the pot along with remaining whole beans.
6. Add combined seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for about 15 minutes.
7. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pot along with corn; simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes.
8. Remove chicken to shred it before returning it to the pot.
9. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted; adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg