This Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is a fantastic dish that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chili combines tender chicken, creamy textures, and zesty spices. With fresh toppings, it transforms into a delightful meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Creamy Comfort: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili a rich and smooth texture that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with lime juice, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips for a personalized touch.
• Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, it’s both filling and nutritious.
• Easy Cleanup: Made in one pot, this recipe minimizes dishes and makes cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you start making your creamy white chicken chili. Having the right equipment can enhance your cooking efficiency.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for simmering the chili evenly without splattering.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures quick and efficient chopping of ingredients to save time.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in measuring ingredients leads to consistent flavors every time.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Chili

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans (drained)
• 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies (with juices)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For Creaminess

• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly) (softened)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For Toppings

• Lime juice, avocado, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, etc.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent. Allow it to brown slightly for added flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they are no longer pink on the outside.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, white beans, mild green chilies along with their juices, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Increase the heat until everything comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes. Microwave it for about 30 seconds to soften further if needed. Stir it into the chili mixture until fully incorporated. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season your creamy white chicken chili with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like lime juice, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, or crunchy tortilla strips. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili

Serving Creamy White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. With a few fresh toppings and sides, you can make this dish even more delightful for your family or guests.

Fresh Toppings

• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and a refreshing flavor to the chili.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness that complements the spices.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: A sprinkle of cheese melts beautifully on top, adding richness.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips provide texture and a fun twist to each bite.

Bread Pairings

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the spicy notes of the chili.
• Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlicky bread is great for dipping into the creamy soup.

Salad Options

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the creamy texture.

How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili

To achieve the best results with your Creamy White Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor and ensure a perfect consistency every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, herbs, and spices will elevate the overall taste of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less chili powder based on your preference.
• Incorporate Different Beans: Mixing white beans with other varieties like black beans can add depth.
• Let it Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen its flavors; just be careful not to overcook.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opting for low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili

Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your meal featuring Creamy White Chicken Chili. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up chili juices.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery sticks add a savory touch to your meal.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons adds crunch.
4. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices rounds out the meal nicely.
5. Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled veggies provides color and health benefits alongside your chili.
6. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can serve as a delicious accompaniment for dipping in the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Creamy White Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong beans: Some may opt for kidney or pinto beans, but white beans are essential for the right flavor and texture. Stick to white beans for a classic chili.
• Not sautéing enough: Failing to brown the onion can lead to a bland taste. Sauté until they’re golden to enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Always taste before serving! You might need extra salt or pepper to balance out the flavors in your chili.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Just cook until it’s no longer pink and tender for optimal results.
• Neglecting toppings: Toppings add texture and freshness. Don’t skip lime juice, avocado, or cheese; they elevate your chili experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy White Chicken Chili.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey or diced turkey breast can be substituted easily for chicken in this recipe.

What can I add for extra spice?

For more heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking.

How can I make this chili vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with additional beans or use vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What goes well with Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Serve it with tortilla strips, cornbread, or over rice for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Chili is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting and quick. Its creamy texture pairs well with various toppings for customization. Try adding different vegetables or spices to make it your own!

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Creamy White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that quickly warms up your dinner table in just 35 minutes. This comforting meal features tender chicken and creamy textures, enhanced by zesty spices. With customizable toppings like avocado and lime, each bowl becomes a personalized culinary experience that everyone will cherish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this one-pot recipe is as nutritious as it is hearty, packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans. Enjoy the ease of preparation and cleanup while savoring a deliciously satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans (drained)
• 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies (with juices)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly) (softened)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Toppings: lime juice, avocado, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, etc.

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent and slightly browned.
2. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes until no longer pink.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine chicken broth, white beans, green chilies with juices, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cut softened cream cheese into cubes, stir into the chili until fully incorporated, and heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with desired toppings.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: To adjust spice levels, add more or less chili powder based on preference. For added creaminess, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.