White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this chili stands out with its creamy broth, tender chicken, and vibrant spices. It’s easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot, ensuring that you can enjoy this hearty meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: The creamy broth combined with spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that warms you from within.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it alone or top with your favorite garnishes like avocado or cheese for added texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With a generous yield of 12 servings, it’s great for feeding family or friends during gatherings.
• Customizable: Adjust the level of spice or add extra veggies to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking this delicious White Chicken Chili, gather your essential tools and equipment to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot (4 1/2-quart)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Food processor (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking all ingredients evenly and providing enough space for simmering the chili.
• Food processor: Useful for blending beans to thicken the broth, enhancing the chili’s texture without additional effort.

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 Seasonings

• 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

For the Broth and Beans

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)

For the Chicken and Corn

• 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)

For Serving

• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• Lime wedges
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Tortilla strips
• Fritos
• Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Combine Seasonings

Combine all seasonings in a small bowl and set aside to enhance flavors later.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything to coat well. Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.

Step 4: Incorporate Broths

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Follow this by adding half and half in the same manner.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

Reserve one heaping cup of drained beans. Blend it with ½ cup of broth using a food processor or blender until smooth. Return this mixture back into the pot along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Season & Boil

Add reserved seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies to the pot. Bring everything to a boil then lower heat slightly; let it boil gently for about 15 minutes uncovered before reducing to a simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them into the pot along with corn. Let simmer gently uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from pot once done; shred using two forks and return it back into the chili mixture.

Step 9: Stir in Cream Cheese

Lower heat to low setting before stirring in softened cream cheese continuously until fully melted into chili creating a creamy texture.

Step 10: Adjust & Serve

Taste your chili; adjust seasonings as needed before serving warm alongside cornbread or your choice of toppings like lime wedges or avocado slices!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or dress it up, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Lime Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl for a zesty kick that balances the creaminess of the chili.

Topped with Diced Avocado

• Add creamy diced avocado on top for a rich texture and flavor that complements the chili’s spices.

Drizzled with Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream brings a cool and tangy contrast to the warm chili, making each bite delightful.

Served with Tortilla Strips

• Crunchy tortilla strips add a satisfying texture and can be sprinkled on top or served on the side for dipping.

Accompanied by Fritos

• For an added crunch, serve Fritos alongside or sprinkle them on top of the chili for a fun twist.

Garnished with Cheese

• Melted Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese can be sprinkled on top, adding richness and an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To achieve the best version of this comforting dish, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of cayenne or hot sauce according to your heat preference.
• Thicken wisely: Blending some beans helps create a creamy texture without adding extra calories.
• Cook low and slow: Allowing the chili to simmer gently ensures tender chicken and well-developed flavors.
• Taste as you go: Regularly taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking for a balanced flavor profile.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with White Chicken Chili can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cornbread
   A classic pairing, cornbread adds sweetness and is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

2. Garden Salad
   A fresh garden salad provides crispness and lightness that contrasts well with the creamy chili.

3. Mexican Rice
   Flavorful Mexican rice complements the spices in the chili while adding substance to your meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies offer a nutritious side that enhances the overall meal without overpowering it.

5. Guacamole
   This creamy dip adds a rich texture and flavors that harmonize beautifully with White Chicken Chili.

6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   A gooey grilled cheese makes an indulgent side, perfect for dipping into your bowl of chili.

7. Baked Potatoes
   Baked potatoes provide a hearty option that can be topped with leftover chili or enjoyed on their own.

8. Chips & Salsa
   Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa give an appetizer feel that pairs nicely before diving into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Bold Seasonings: Not measuring spices correctly can lead to bland or overly spicy chili. Always use the specified amounts for a balanced flavor.
• Bold Cooking Temperature: Cooking on too high of a heat can make the chicken tough. Stick to a gentle simmer for tender meat.
• Bold Skipping Steps: Omitting steps like blending some beans can affect the chili’s creaminess. Follow each instruction closely for the best results.
• Bold Neglecting Taste Testing: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings before serving can result in unbalanced flavors. Always taste and tweak as needed.
• Bold Inadequate Storage: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place chili in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful soup made with chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices, perfect for chilly days.

How do I make White Chicken Chili spicier?

To increase the heat in your White Chicken Chili, add more cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños according to your spice preference.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the recipe; just increase the cooking time slightly.

What can I serve with White Chicken Chili?

Serve with cornbread, tortilla strips, diced avocado, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of White Chicken Chili?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the spice level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table!