Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this incredibly creamy and comforting chili. This delicious white chicken chili recipe combines tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and a blend of aromatic spices in a rich, flavorful broth. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, delivering satisfying warmth without hours of cooking. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili Recipe
This easy white chicken chili recipe quickly becomes a favorite for many great reasons. It delivers on flavor and convenience, perfect for busy schedules.
- Flavorful & Hearty: It’s packed with savory chicken, creamy beans, and a delightful spice blend, creating a truly satisfying meal.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Utilizing pre-cooked chicken means this chili comes together in under an hour, ideal for busy evenings.
- Customizable Toppings: Garnish your bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for a personalized touch.
- Lighter Twist: This recipe offers a wonderful alternative to traditional tomato-based chili, providing a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it fantastic for lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
To create this incredible white chicken chili recipe, you’ll need a few pantry staples and fresh additions. Each ingredient plays a key role in developing its rich flavor and creamy texture.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
- 1 1/4 cup frozen or fresh corn
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or left-over chicken
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- Tortilla chips or strips, Monterrey Jack cheese, sliced avocado (for serving, optional)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with several ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand for this comforting white chicken chili recipe.
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze. You can also boil or bake two large chicken breasts, then shred them. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly too.
- White Beans: Cannellini beans are lovely and creamy.
According to Verywell Fit, cannellini beans provide an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
Great Northern beans or even navy beans can be used as a substitute. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed.
- Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese provides a lighter creaminess. As explained by MasterClass, Neufchatel cheese has a lower fat content and slightly higher moisture compared to traditional cream cheese. Full-fat cream cheese works just as well for an even richer consistency.
- Corn: Fresh corn cut from the cob is fantastic if in season. Otherwise, frozen corn works beautifully and requires no thawing.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. For less heat, omit it. For more heat, add an extra pinch or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Equipment
You don’t need many special tools to make this delicious white chicken chili recipe. These items will ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer or colander
- Food processor or immersion blender (for pureeing beans)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make White Chicken Chili (Instructions)
This step-by-step guide makes preparing your homemade white chicken chili recipe straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple instructions for a hearty meal.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Add the canned diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup mixture just to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While the soup simmers, prepare your beans. Drain and rinse both cans of cannellini beans in a fine mesh strainer or colander. Measure out 1 cup of the rinsed beans.
- Transfer this 1 cup of beans to a food processor or a tall container if using an immersion blender. Add 1/4 cup of the simmering broth from the soup to the beans. Process until the mixture is nearly smooth and creamy. This step is key for a thicker texture in this white chicken chili.
- Add the cubed Neufchatel cheese, the remaining whole beans, and the corn to the simmering soup. Stir everything well until the cheese begins to melt and combine.
- Continue to simmer the chili for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, fresh lime juice, and the chopped fresh cilantro. Cook for just a couple more minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
- Serve your homemade white chicken chili hot. Garnish with extra Monterrey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a side of tortilla chips if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
Unlock the best flavor and texture for your chili with these helpful professional tips.
- Puree for Creaminess: Don’t skip pureeing a portion of the beans. This creates a natural thickness and creamy texture without adding heavy cream, essential for a great white chicken chili.
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Starting with pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, significantly cuts down on prep time. Add it at the end to simply heat through, preventing it from becoming tough.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: Add cayenne pepper gradually and taste as you go. You can always add more heat later, but it’s hard to reduce it once incorporated.
- Melt Cheese Properly: Cut the Neufchatel cheese into small cubes. This helps it melt smoothly and evenly into the hot broth without clumping, creating a uniform, creamy base.
- Taste and Season: Always taste your chili before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can truly bring all the flavors together.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make this versatile white chicken chili recipe truly your own with various serving ideas, storage tips, and exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting chili with a variety of delicious toppings to enhance its flavor and texture. Classic choices include shredded Monterrey Jack or cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro. Sliced avocado or a spoonful of guacamole adds a rich creaminess. For crunch, add crushed tortilla chips or strips, a few pickled jalapeño slices, or a sprinkle of hot sauce. Complementary sides like cornbread, a simple green salad, or a side of fluffy rice are also wonderful.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until thoroughly heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency if it thickens too much.
Recipe Variations
- Slow Cooker Conversion: Sauté the onion and garlic, then add all ingredients (except Neufchatel cheese, lime juice, and cilantro) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheese, lime, and cilantro during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to stir in diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) with the onions, or add a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Extra Spicy Chili: For those who love extra spicy chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works.
- Ground Meat Option: If you prefer, brown 1 lb of ground chicken or turkey in the pot before adding the onions and garlic. Drain any excess fat, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Nutrition Information
This white chicken chili recipe offers a wholesome meal option.
| Component | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 89mg |
| Sodium | 690mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on exact product brands and quantities used. Topping additions are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about this delightful white chicken chili recipe.
- Can I use raw chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can. Cube raw chicken breasts or thighs, sear them in the pot before adding onions, then proceed with the recipe, ensuring the chicken cooks through.
- How can I make the chili spicier? Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the onions. A dash of hot sauce at serving also works wonders.
- What are cannellini beans, and can I substitute? Cannellini beans are a type of white kidney bean, known for their creamy texture. Great Northern or navy beans are excellent substitutes.
- Is it possible to freeze white chicken chili? Absolutely! Once completely cooled, transfer the chili to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- What is Neufchatel cheese, and what if I don’t have it? Neufchatel cheese is a lighter version of cream cheese, with about one-third less fat. Regular full-fat cream cheese is a perfect substitute if you don’t have Neufchatel.
Conclusion
This white chicken chili recipe truly embodies comfort in a bowl, offering a delightful blend of creamy texture and savory spices. It’s a wonderfully easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend gathering. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience its irresistible appeal for yourself. Share your creations and favorite toppings in the comments below!
