Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that combines comforting warmth with a burst of fresh, zesty flavor, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delicious twist on traditional chili that highlights tender shredded chicken and creamy textures balanced by the subtle heat of green chilies and warming spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe makes a satisfying bowl of chili that feels like a hug in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful example of how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Each item adds a unique element whether it’s enhancing the chili’s savory base, contributing to its creamy consistency, or adding vibrant pops of flavor and texture.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and infusing the aromatics with a gentle richness.
- Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the chili base.
- Garlic: Adds pungency and warmth, awakening the other spices.
- Chili powder: Brings earthy heat essential for that classic chili flavor.
- Ground cumin: Adds smoky, nutty notes that round out the dish’s flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a deep, smoky undertone without overpowering the creaminess.
- Dried oregano: Offers herbal brightness that balances the spices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Your lean protein base, tender once cooked and shredded.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base and helps thin the chili to the perfect consistency.
- White beans (cannellini or Great Northern): Adds creaminess and hearty body as well as fiber and protein.
- Diced green chilies: Bring a mild, fresh heat that brightens the chili.
- Cream cheese: The secret to achieving that rich and luscious creamy texture.
- Lime juice: Offers a zesty lift that brightens and balances the chili’s rich flavors.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish as a garnish.
- Tortilla strips, shredded cheese, lime wedges, avocado: Fantastic toppings that add texture and extra flavor layers.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook gently until it softens and turns translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir until everything smells fragrant and aromatic — this step is where the flavor foundation builds beautifully. Add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Let everything simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The slow simmer infuses the chicken with those warm, spice-infused flavors, setting the stage for an irresistibly comforting meal.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. This step is key for giving the chili that lovely texture and making the chicken easy to mix through the creamy broth. Shredded chicken creates pockets of tender meat in every bite, ensuring that the chili stays hearty and satisfying.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the white beans and undrained diced green chilies. The beans add natural creaminess and a hearty texture, while the chilies bring just the right amount of mild heat and brightness. This combination makes the chili uniquely comforting and deliciously well-rounded.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Finish
The magic happens when you stir in the softened cream cheese. Fold it into the chili until it melts completely, creating a velvety smooth base that makes this recipe truly stand out. Next, add fresh lime juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper. If the chili feels too thick, slowly thin it out with additional chicken broth until it reaches the consistency you love. This step ensures every spoonful is creamy and cozy without being too heavy.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get creative and tailor the chili to your personal taste. Fresh chopped cilantro adds a refreshing burst of herbal brightness that complements the creamy texture. Crispy tortilla strips bring satisfying crunch, while shredded cheese melts irresistibly on top, enhancing the indulgence factor. Don’t forget a wedge of lime for an extra spritz of citrusy zing, and sliced avocado lends buttery richness that balances the gentle heat beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this chili is wonderful on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even further. Crunchy cornbread is an excellent accompaniment, pairing its slight sweetness with the chili’s savory profile. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette refreshes the palate, and warm tortillas make for perfect scoops to enjoy every last bit of chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, serve the chili in mini bread bowls or sturdy tortilla bowls for a casual and portable meal. You can also pile it onto baked potatoes or even use it as a filling for stuffed peppers, turning this recipe into a versatile star for all kinds of occasions. Presentation tweaks like these ensure your culinary creation looks just as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy texture holds up well, making it a convenient and satisfying meal for busy days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this chili for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream cheese from separating and to preserve that silky texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps restore the perfect creamy consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, making your chili even more indulgent. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked before shredding.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the diced green chilies and chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can increase spice by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder if you prefer more heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or coconut cream for a similar creamy texture without dairy. The flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
What beans work best in this chili?
Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal because they have a mild flavor and creamy texture that blend well. You could also use navy beans as an alternative.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except cream cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, shred the chicken, and stir in the cream cheese before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. It strikes the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and ease, inviting you to slow down and savor every bite. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this bowl of cozy goodness with friends and family. Trust me, this is one recipe you will come back to again and again.
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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy white chicken chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies in a rich and smooth broth enhanced with cream cheese and a hint of lime. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with spices and fresh toppings to elevate the taste, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 4–6 cups chicken broth, divided
Beans and Chilies
- 2 (14 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies, undrained
Dairy and Flavorings
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Juice of 1 small lime
Seasonings and Toppings
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla strips
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedges
- Avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano; cook stirring until the spices become fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken breasts to the pot, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them carefully using two forks until the chicken is in bite-sized, shredded pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the drained and rinsed white beans and undrained diced green chilies. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Add Cream Cheese and Finish: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture throughout the chili. Add the juice of one small lime and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. If the chili is too thick, thin it out by adding more chicken broth, up to 2 cups, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, tortilla strips, shredded cheese, lime wedges, and sliced avocado as preferred for vibrant flavor and texture contrasts.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy green chilies.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level more effectively.
- This chili reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of added broth or simmer the chili uncovered to evaporate extra liquid.
- Substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different creamy texture and tang.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
