Creamy White Chicken Chili

This Creamy White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful and hearty dish that warms the soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chili is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. With its creamy texture and zesty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, this chili is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, spices, and cream cheese creates a deliciously creamy texture that elevates traditional chili.
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy it with a variety of toppings like avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips to suit your taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from white beans, it’s both filling and nutritious.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and accommodating all the ingredients.
• Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables and cutting chicken safely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices for balanced flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching the pot’s surface.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Creamy White Chicken Chili:

Main Ingredients

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

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

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

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook them for a few minutes until they are no longer pink on the outside.

Step 3: Add Garlic

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

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, white beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Increase heat until boiling. Then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut cream cheese into cubes and microwave it for 30 seconds to soften. Stir it into the chili until fully incorporated. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like lime juice, avocado, or cilantro. Enjoy your delicious Creamy White Chicken Chili!

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili

Serving Creamy White Chicken Chili is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and making it visually appealing. Here are some great ideas for toppings and accompaniments to elevate your dish.

Fresh Toppings

• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy texture that complements the chili perfectly.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color, elevating the overall taste.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving adds brightness and cuts through the richness.

Crunchy Additions

• Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy chili.
• Shredded Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully on top, adding richness and flavor.

Grains to Accompany

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal that soaks up all the flavors of the chili.
• Cornbread: Pairing this chili with warm cornbread creates a comforting combination perfect for colder evenings.

How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili

To make your Creamy White Chicken Chili truly unforgettable, consider these tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and herbs can significantly enhance the overall taste of your chili.
• Brown the chicken well: Taking time to brown the chicken pieces before adding other ingredients adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or an extra teaspoon of chili powder to suit your taste.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the chili to cook longer than 10 minutes can meld the flavors together even more, creating a rich taste profile.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy White Chicken Chili can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Cornbread: This sweet and savory bread pairs well with chili, offering a comforting texture.
2. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the creaminess of the chili beautifully.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred vegetables add a smoky flavor that contrasts with the creamy dish.
4. Guacamole: The creamy avocado blend enhances the meal while providing additional healthy fats.
5. Garden Salad: A crisp salad with fresh vegetables balances out the richness of the chili.
6. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are perfect for dipping into your creamy white chicken chili.
7. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa offer a refreshing contrast to each bite.
8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with spicy dishes like chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making creamy white chicken chili, some common mistakes can hinder your dish from reaching its full potential.

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not browning the onions can lead to a bland base. Sauté them until they’re golden for better flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Ensure you only cook until it’s no longer pink on the outside.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can result in a dull chili. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper at the end.
• Ignoring Consistency: If your chili is too thick, it’s easy to fix! Just add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Adding cold cream cheese directly can lead to clumps. Soften it first in the microwave for smooth incorporation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store creamy white chicken chili in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding creamy white chicken chili that might help you.

What is Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Creamy white chicken chili is a comforting dish made with chicken, white beans, spices, and cream cheese for a rich texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare creamy white chicken chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

What toppings work well with Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include avocado slices, cilantro, lime juice, tortilla strips, and a Mexican cheese blend.

How spicy is this creamy white chicken chili?

This recipe is mild due to using mild green chilies. You can adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or using spicy green chilies.

Final Thoughts

Creamy white chicken chili is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different toppings or beans according to your preferences. Give this cozy dish a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Creamy White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that combines warmth and rich flavors in one pot. This hearty dish is not only quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes, but it also packs a nutritious punch with protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled white beans. The creamy texture from cream cheese perfectly complements zesty spices and mild green chilies, making it an appealing choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or crunchy tortilla strips, and enjoy an inviting meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 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)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• Various toppings: lime juice, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips

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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.
2. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in chicken broth, white beans, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and oregano; bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cut cream cheese into cubes, microwave for 30 seconds to soften, then stir into the chili until incorporated; cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving 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: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg