White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day, enjoying a cozy night in, or meal prepping for the week, this chili offers a creamy texture with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn. Its flavorful spices create a comforting warmth that will please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili an ultra-thick and creamy finish that’s irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and total cooking time of 30 minutes, you can whip this up quickly!
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for busy days—it’s convenient and saves time.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with delicious toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or jalapenos to suit your taste.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is both filling and healthy.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with this White Chicken Chili recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or soup pot
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Forks (for shredding chicken)

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering the chili evenly without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for shredding chicken safely.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the best flavor balance.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.

For the Chicken Base

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the Chili Mixture

• 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)

Spices and Creaminess

• 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (125g)

Optional Thickening Agent

• 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 a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through; ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F by using a meat thermometer.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot onto a large cutting board. Shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with broth.

Step 3: Add Beans and Veggies

Add the beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut cream cheese into cubes. Stir it into the pot until melted and fully incorporated. Cover again and 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. Add this mixture to your simmering chili while stirring continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 6: Serve Your Chili

Serve your delicious White Chicken Chili with optional toppings like additional hot sauce, chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos for an extra kick!

Enjoy your hearty meal packed with flavor!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

Serving White Chicken Chili is an enjoyable experience, allowing you to customize each bowl to your taste. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance the flavors and make your meal even more special.

Toppings

• Hot Sauce: Drizzle some extra hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices for a smooth texture that balances the spice.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a zesty brightness.
• Salsa: Top with your favorite salsa for added flavor and freshness.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a rich and savory finish.
• Jalapenos: For an extra heat boost, add sliced jalapenos as a topping.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve alongside warm cornbread to soak up the chili’s delicious broth.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make perfect dippers and add texture.
• Rice: A side of fluffy rice can complement the chili and make it more filling.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To achieve the ultimate White Chicken Chili, follow these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, making your dish truly outstanding.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will elevate the overall taste of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder or hot sauce to match your preferred heat level.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors; just be sure to keep an eye on it!
• Experiment with Beans: Mix different types of beans, like pinto or black beans, for varied textures and tastes.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Adding diced bell peppers or zucchini can bring additional nutrition and flavor.
• Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy consistency, blend a portion of the chili before serving.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can turn a simple meal into something extraordinary. Here are some excellent choices that complement its rich flavors.

1. Cornbread: This sweet and soft bread pairs perfectly with spicy chili, providing a comforting contrast.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery sticks are great for dipping into your bowl of chili while adding a garlicky flavor.
3. Side Salad: A fresh salad with greens and vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili.
4. Grilled Veggies: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add color and health benefits to your meal.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent companion that absorbs all the delicious juices from the chili.
6. Stuffed Peppers: These flavorful stuffed peppers can add an exciting twist while being hearty enough to fill you up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skipping the broth: Using water instead of broth can lead to bland flavors. Always use low-sodium chicken broth for better taste.
• Ignoring the simmering time: Not allowing enough time for the chicken to cook can result in undercooked meat. Ensure you simmer until it reaches 165°F.
• Overlooking cream cheese melting: If you don’t cut the cream cheese into cubes, it may not melt evenly. Dice it before adding to ensure a creamy texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: The chili can vary in spice based on personal preference. Taste and adjust the hot sauce or chili powder as needed.
• Rushing the thickening process: Adding cornstarch too late or not using enough can leave your chili thin. Stir it in early for optimal thickness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Place cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe.

What is White Chicken Chili recipe?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and spices that come together for a comforting dish.

Can I make White Chicken Chili recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili recipe?

Top your chili with avocado slices, lime wedges, cheese, salsa, or jalapenos for added flavor and texture.

How do I customize my White Chicken Chili recipe?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of hot sauce used.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only creamy and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. Give it a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!