White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its creamy white broth, tender shredded chicken, and delicious spices, it’s perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. Whether you choose to make it on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this chili can be ready in no time!
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety broth that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the toppings to fit your preferences—avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips all work beautifully.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Family-Friendly: Mild enough for kids yet flavorful enough for adults, it’s a hit with all ages.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results with your White Chicken Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot (4 1/2-quart)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering your chili evenly without overcrowding ingredients.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while allowing safe chopping of vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving balanced flavors in your chili.

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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.

Spices & 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

Base Ingredients

• 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)

Beans & Vegetables

• 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
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)

Finishing Touches

• 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: Prepare the Seasonings

Combine all spices listed above in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté 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. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Create the Base

Add flour to the pot and toss to coat the vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes until there’s no raw flour smell.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Repeat this process with half and half.

Step 5: Thicken the Chili

Optionally reserve one heaping cup of drained beans. Blend it with ½ cup broth until smooth. Stir this mixture back into the pot along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Add Flavor

Mix in seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies. Bring to a gentle boil uncovered for about 15 minutes before reducing heat to simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

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

Step 8: Shred Chicken

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

Step 9: Finish with Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low before stirring in softened cream cheese until fully melted.

Step 10: Serve

Taste your chili and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot alongside cornbread or desired toppings!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or sharing with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Toppings

• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spices.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors and adds freshness.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy strips provide a great texture contrast to the creamy chili.
• Shredded Cheese: Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully on top for added flavor.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps cool down the heat.

Accompanied by Bread

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory chili, adding a comforting touch.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh bread is great for dipping into the chili broth.

As a Filling Meal

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve over rice or quinoa for a hearty portion that makes the meal even more filling.
• Salad: A side salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chili.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve that creamy, delicious bowl every time.

• Bold Seasonings: Use fresh spices and adjust according to your taste preferences for depth of flavor.
• Cream Cheese Integration: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to avoid lumps in your chili.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling too rapidly; this keeps the chicken tender and prevents it from becoming tough.
• Bean Texture: Blend some beans for a thicker consistency while keeping others whole for added texture.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking to find that perfect balance of spice and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet, crumbly cornbread complements the chili’s heat beautifully.
2. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens offers freshness against the rich chili.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a flavorful dip that works well with tortilla chips.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients, making a great side dish.
5. Cheesy Garlic Bread: This indulgent option pairs well, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can soak up any leftover chili broth, creating a satisfying mix.
7. Pita Chips: These crispy snacks are perfect for dipping into your delicious chili!
8. Stuffed Peppers: Vegetarian stuffed peppers can make for a hearty side that complements the main dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning step: Properly combining your spices enhances flavor. Always mix seasonings in a separate bowl before adding them to the pot.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking too quickly can make chicken tough. Allow it to simmer gently for optimal tenderness.
• Not using enough liquid: A thick chili can become hard to manage. Ensure you have enough broth and half and half for a creamy consistency.
• Forgetting to shred the chicken: Shredding helps distribute chicken throughout the chili. Remove it from the pot, shred, and return it for even flavor.
• Neglecting garnishes: Toppings enhance presentation and taste. Don’t skip out on lime wedges, avocado, or tortilla strips!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• You can freeze White Chicken Chili for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making White Chicken Chili.

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with shredded chicken, beans, green chilies, and spices. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breast; just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding into the chili.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by using less cayenne pepper or omitting jalapenos if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I customize my White Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.

What should I serve with this chili?

Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad make excellent side dishes that complement White Chicken Chili perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is both easy to make and deliciously satisfying. Its creamy texture combined with tender chicken makes it a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients!