White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation methods, this chili stands out for its rich taste and creamy texture while being a healthier alternative to traditional chili recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This White Chicken Chili comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve it with various toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or cheese to suit everyone’s taste.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety broth that elevates the whole dish.
• Family-Friendly: This is a kid-approved meal that even picky eaters will enjoy!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time; it freezes well and tastes great as leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need for making this White Chicken Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking large quantities of soup or chili evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging countertops.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is made with an array of flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

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

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Base Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)

Main Ingredients

• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)
• Salt/Pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can sub frozen corn)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 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

Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the 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: Prepare the Base

Add flour to the vegetable mixture.
* Toss to coat everything evenly.
* Cook for about 2 minutes until raw flour smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
* Follow this by adding half-and-half in the same manner.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

For a thicker broth:
* Reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans.
* Blend with ½ cup broth using a food processor or immersion blender.
* Return to the soup along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in your seasonings from step one alongside hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies.
* Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
* Allow it to boil uncovered for 15 minutes before reducing heat to simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them into the pot along with corn.
* Simmer gently uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Remove chicken from pot once cooked through.
* Shred using two forks before returning it back into the chili mixture.

Step 9: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low before stirring in softened cream cheese.
* Stir continuously until fully melted into the chili.

Step 10: Taste & Serve

Adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot alongside cornbread or your preferred toppings!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili is all about enhancing its delicious flavors while providing options that complement its creamy texture. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Toppings

• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty kick that brightens up the chili.
• Diced Avocado – Creamy avocado brings a smooth texture and richness that pairs beautifully with the chili.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Tortilla Strips – Crunchy tortilla strips provide a satisfying texture contrast and make for great garnish.
• Shredded Cheese – Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese sprinkled on top melts slightly into the warm chili for added flavor.

Cornbread

• Classic Cornbread – Soft, buttery cornbread is a perfect side to soak up the creamy broth.
• Jalapeño Cornbread – For a spicy twist, try jalapeño cornbread that adds both heat and flavor alongside the chili.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To achieve the best results with your White Chicken Chili, follow these simple tips to enhance its flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic, onion, and herbs can significantly improve the overall taste of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by varying the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper based on your preference.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together, creating a more robust taste.
• Blend Some Beans – For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the cannellini beans before adding them back into the pot.
• Taste as You Go – Regularly taste your chili while cooking to adjust seasonings and ensure it meets your personal flavor preferences.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Corn Muffins – Sweet corn muffins complement the savory flavors of chili perfectly.
2. Garden Salad – A light garden salad provides freshness and balances out the richness of the chili.
3. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the creamy broth while adding aromatic flavors.
4. Rice or Quinoa – Serving white rice or quinoa on the side allows you to enjoy a hearty meal with added fiber.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices make for an exciting and nutritious side dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Grilled seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate while complementing the chili’s warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making White Chicken Chili, there are some common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring spices accurately – Using too much or too little of spices can drastically change the flavor. Always measure your seasonings carefully.

• Skipping the sauté step – Failing to sauté the onions and jalapenos can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook them until they’re soft before adding other ingredients.

• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Monitor the cooking time and shred it once it’s cooked through.

• Neglecting to blend some beans – If you skip blending a portion of the beans, you might miss out on a creamier texture. Reserve some beans and blend them for a smoother broth.

• Not adjusting for thickness – If your chili is too thick, you may need to add more broth or half-and-half. Always taste and adjust consistency as needed before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Place in freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili:

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, cannellini beans, green chilies, and spices. It’s perfect as a comforting meal.

Can I make White Chicken Chili in a Crock Pot?

Yes! You can easily prepare this dish in a Crock Pot by adding all ingredients and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How can I customize my White Chicken Chili?

You can customize it by adding different types of beans, vegetables like corn or bell peppers, or adjusting the spice levels based on your taste preferences.

Is there a dairy-free version of White Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative or use blended cashews for creaminess without dairy.

How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili?

To thicken your chili, you can blend part of the beans or add more flour during cooking. Adjusting with additional broth can also help balance thickness.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can adapt it with various toppings like avocado or cheese and even adjust ingredients based on what you have at home. Give it a try; you’ll love how creamy and satisfying it is!