White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a comforting and creamy dish that is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion when you crave something hearty and flavorful. This recipe delivers a rich and savory experience with its blend of tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and a creamy broth. Whether made on the stove or in a Crock Pot, this chili will warm your heart and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – This White Chicken Chili comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor Profile – The combination of seasonings, cream cheese, and green chilies creates a deliciously unique flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options – Serve it with cornbread, tortilla strips, or avocado for added texture and taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• Customizable Ingredients – Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your White Chicken Chili, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven – A spacious pot allows for even cooking and easy stirring of all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – These tools are perfect for mixing without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements ensure your flavors are just right.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe is easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot! The broth has the BEST creamy white broth with cream cheese, green chilies, corn, shredded chicken, and simple seasonings.

For the Seasoning Mix:

• 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

For the Base:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)

For the 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 to taste
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

For Serving:

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

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Combine the Seasonings

Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

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 minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Add flour to the pot with vegetables; toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes until you no longer smell raw flour.

Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually

Pour in chicken broth gradually while stirring continuously. Follow by adding half and half in small splashes while stirring.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth (Optional)

If desired, reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans; blend it with ½ cup broth using a blender until smooth. Add this back into the soup along with remaining whole beans to thicken it up.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Mix in seasonings from earlier along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer gently for about 15 minutes uncovered before reducing heat.

Step 7: Simmer with Chicken

Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them along with corn into the pot. Let simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes; stir occasionally.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once fully cooked through, remove chicken from pot and shred it using two forks before returning it back into the chili.

Step 9: Melt Cream Cheese

Lower heat to low setting then stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted into chili mix.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste your creation! Adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot with cornbread or preferred toppings!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. It can be served in various ways to enhance the meal experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your chili.

With Fresh Toppings

• Diced Avocado – Adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor to each bowl.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a tangy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a burst of citrusy brightness.
• Tortilla Strips – Crunchy tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch and additional flavor.

Accompanied by Bread

• Cornbread – A classic pairing with chili, cornbread adds sweetness and warmth.
• Crusty Bread – Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.

In a Bowl

• Individual Bowls – Ladle the chili into individual bowls, topped with cheese for extra richness.
• Chili Bar – Set up a chili bar with various toppings for guests to customize their bowls.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To create the best White Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
• Cook Slowly – Allowing the chili to simmer gently will improve the flavors and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Tailor the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• Blend Some Beans – Blending a portion of the beans helps thicken the broth for a creamier consistency.
• Taste As You Go – Regularly taste your chili and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

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

1. Cornbread – Sweet and moist, cornbread pairs perfectly with the spiciness of chili.
2. Garden Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chili.
3. Spanish Rice – Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the dish well.
4. Grilled Vegetables – Smoky grilled veggies provide a healthy and colorful addition to your meal.
5. Cheese Quesadillas – Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese are great for dipping into the chili!
6. Guacamole and Chips – Creamy guacamole served with crunchy chips makes for an irresistible appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold seasoning choices: Using too much or too little of the spices can throw off the flavor. Always measure your spices carefully.
• Bold cooking temperature errors: Cooking at too high a temperature can toughen the chicken. Maintain a gentle simmer for the best texture.
• Bold ignoring ingredient prep: Not dicing vegetables properly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to cut your onion and jalapeno into uniform pieces.
• Bold neglecting cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese directly into the chili can create clumps. Always soften it first for a creamy consistency.
• Bold overlooking beans: Skipping the blending step with some beans can result in a thinner broth. Blend a portion for optimal thickness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

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

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed 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 chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices, perfect for any occasion.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey or shredded turkey works wonderfully as a substitute in this recipe.

How can I make my White Chicken Chili spicier?

Add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat levels according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This White Chicken Chili is great for meal prep and stores well for quick meals throughout the week.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Toppings like diced avocado, tortilla strips, sour cream, and lime wedges enhance flavor and texture beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize based on your tastes. You can add extra vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!

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

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White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

White Chicken Chili is a creamy and hearty dish that will warm your soul and impress your guests. This delightful recipe features tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and a luscious broth that combines the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re preparing it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this chili is an easy option for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Serve it with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips for an unbeatable meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and jalapenos until softened, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic.
2. Sprinkle flour into the pot and cook for another 2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add half and half gradually as well.
4. Stir in the seasonings, hot sauce, and green chilies. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer.
5. Add seasoned chicken breasts and corn; simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot.
7. Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and combined.
8. Taste for seasoning adjustments before serving with your choice of toppings.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg