Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Comfort meets zest in this white chicken chili recipe that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Bold spices dance through tender chicken and creamy beans, creating a symphony of flavors.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish delivers a perfect balance of protein and rich, comforting textures.

Each spoonful packs a delightful punch of southwestern-inspired goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The secret lies in the carefully selected blend of green chiles, aromatic spices, and slow-simmered chicken.

Fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream elevate this chili from simple meal to culinary adventure.

Dive into this delicious recipe and transform your dinner into an unforgettable experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

The Heart Of White Chicken Chili

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, rich cooking foundation with a subtle fruity undertone.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweet caramelized flavor, essential for building robust taste.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs surrounding spices and adds hearty texture.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that contribute protein and create a thick, satisfying consistency.
• Corn: Introduces sweet, fresh crunch and vibrant color to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Delivers mild heat and bright, tangy pepper flavor.

• Cumin: Earthy, warm spice that provides a traditional southwestern profile.
• Chili Powder: Adds complex, slightly smoky heat to the dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, smoky undertones with subtle sweetness.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces sharp, intense heat for adventurous palates.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that intensifies overall taste.
• Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredients that add luxurious creaminess and balance spiciness.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that freshens and balances the rich flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and harmonizing all ingredients.

What You’ll Need For White Chicken Chili

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing and simmering the entire chili, provides even heat distribution and deep cooking space.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients, mixing spices, and preventing sticking without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients with a clean, stable surface.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing onions and precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Ladle: Helps serve the chili evenly into individual bowls.
• Can Opener: Useful if using canned green chilies or beans.

Steps To Make White Chicken Chili Warm And Hearty

• Aromatic Foundation

Warm up a big cooking pot and create a flavor base with soft, golden onions dancing in olive oil. Invite minced garlic to join the party, letting its delightful fragrance fill your kitchen.

• Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in a vibrant mix of green chilies and bold spices, creating a zesty backdrop that will make your taste buds tingle with excitement. Let the spices bloom and release their intense personalities.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in rich chicken broth and welcome tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and sweet corn kernels. Allow these ingredients to become best friends, simmering together in a warm embrace.

• Creamy Transformation

Gently stir in luxurious sour cream and silky heavy cream, transforming the chili into a velvety masterpiece. Brighten the flavors with a splash of zesty lime and a whisper of seasoning.

• Celebration

Serve this comforting chili in beautiful bowls, inviting friends and family to customize with their favorite toppings. Watch as smiles spread and warmth fills the room with each delicious spoonful.

Flavor Boosts For White Chicken Chili Lovers

• Perfect Prep Pointers for White Chicken Chili
• Chicken Selection: Opt for rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken breasts for maximum tenderness and easy shredding. Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor complexity while saving precious cooking time.
• Spice Control: Adjust cayenne and green chilies based on personal heat tolerance. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase for a personalized spice level that won't overwhelm your palate.
• Bean Brilliance: Use canned white beans for convenience, but rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium. For a more authentic texture, consider using dried Great Northern or cannellini beans soaked overnight.
• Cream Consistency: Add sour cream and heavy cream at the end to prevent curdling. Stir gently and maintain low heat to keep the chili smooth and creamy.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace corn and beans with extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini to create a keto-friendly version. This swap maintains the chili's heartiness while reducing carbohydrate content.

Best Ways To Serve White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Comfort Companions: Serve this white chicken chili with warm, fluffy cornbread slices that soak up the delicious broth perfectly.
• Zesty Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, diced green onions, shredded monterey jack cheese, and a dollop of sour cream on top to add vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
• Crispy Crunch Add-On: Garnish with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried tortilla strips for a delightful crunch that contrasts the smooth, creamy chili base.
• Side Dish Harmony: Pair with a light, refreshing southwest salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, warm chili flavors.

How To Store And Reheat White Chicken Chili

Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.

• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick meal is always ready when needed.
• Reheating Hack: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching, stirring occasionally for even heating.
• Garnish Prep Tip: Store toppings like chopped cilantro, green onions, and shredded cheese separately in sealed containers. Add fresh garnishes just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures.

Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili delivers rich southwestern comfort with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chiles. Warm spices and fresh toppings create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 (15 oz) (425 grams) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 oz) (113 grams) can diced green chilies
• ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Jalapeno slices

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious pot, sauté diced onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, releasing their fragrant essence and creating a warm culinary environment.
2. Spice Awakening: Stir in green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Briefly toast the spices to maximize their intense, complex flavor profiles.
3. Liquid Symphony: Pour chicken broth into the pot, then fold in shredded chicken, white beans, and corn kernels. Allow the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, interconnected depth of flavor.
4. Flavor Fusion: Simmer the mixture on low heat, enabling the ingredients to meld together and create a robust, cohesive culinary experience. The slow cooking process will intensify the chili’s complex taste.
5. Creamy Transformation: Whisk in sour cream and heavy cream to create a luxurious, silky texture. Brighten the dish with a vibrant squeeze of lime juice, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to balance the flavors.
6. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the chili into warm bowls and offer an array of garnishes, allowing diners to customize their culinary journey with additional textures and flavor accents.

Notes

• Sauté Carefully: Low and slow is key for onions to develop sweet, caramelized flavor without burning; use medium heat and stir frequently.
• Spice Toasting Technique: Toast spices for 30-60 seconds maximum to release aromatic oils without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
• Cream Integration Strategy: Add dairy components at the end of cooking and remove from direct heat to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, silky texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version; use Greek yogurt for lighter option; substitute chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg