White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion! It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make, whether you choose the Stove Top or Crock Pot method. With its delightful combination of cream cheese, green chilies, and tender shredded chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it on a chilly evening or at your next gathering for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety broth that elevates the flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as is, or customize with toppings like avocado, tortilla strips, or cheese for an extra touch.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is both nutritious and filling.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Its mild heat from jalapeños and spices makes it appealing to all palates.

Tools and Preparation

To make this White Chicken Chili effortlessly, having the right tools will help streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating and prevents burning while simmering.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping herbs and vegetables quick and easy.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your chili.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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)
– 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 to taste
– 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
– 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
– Toppings: 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 the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
* Add the diced onions and jalapeño pepper; cook for about 5 minutes.
* Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Thicken Base

Add flour to the pot and toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
* Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates.

Step 4: Add Broth Gradually

Slowly add chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously.
* Follow with half and half using the same method to create a smooth base.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

For extra thickness:
* Reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans.
* Blend with ½ cup broth using a food processor until smooth.
* Add back into the soup along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Incorporate Seasonings & Simmer

Add seasonings along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies to the pot.
* Bring mixture to a gentle boil; simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes before reducing heat.

Step 7: Cook Chicken & Corn

Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them into the pot along with corn.
* Let simmer gently for 15–20 minutes uncovered until chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from the pot once done.
* Shred using two forks before returning it back into the chili.

Step 9: Melt Cream Cheese

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

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste your chili; adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot with cornbread!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it topped with fresh ingredients or served alongside delicious sides, there are many options to enhance your meal experience.

Toppings

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty kick that brightens the flavors.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado provides a rich texture and balances the spice.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and mellows the heat.
• Tortilla Strips: Crunchy tortilla strips provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Fritos: For an extra crunch, sprinkle Fritos on top or serve them on the side.
• Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully into the chili.

Bread Pairings

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Creating the perfect White Chicken Chili involves attention to detail and some helpful tips that can elevate your dish.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables will enhance the overall flavor of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper based on your preference.
• Blend Beans for Creaminess: Blending a portion of the beans creates a thicker, creamier texture in your chili.
• Cook Slowly: Allowing your chili to simmer gently ensures all flavors meld beautifully together without toughening the chicken.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your chili throughout cooking to adjust seasonings according to your liking.
• Let It Rest: If possible, let your chili sit for an hour after cooking. This allows flavors to deepen.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance its flavors and create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: This sweet and fluffy bread is perfect for soaking up chili broth.
2. Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh greens and vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.
3. Rice: Serve on a bed of fluffy rice to absorb extra broth while adding heartiness.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully with spicy chili, providing cooling relief.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and are a nutritious complement.
6. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas make for a cheesy side that pairs well with chili’s flavors.
7. Chips and Salsa: A crunchy snack option that offers additional flavor contrasts to your meal.
8. Pickled Jalapenos: For those who love spice, pickled jalapenos add an extra zing when served alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect seasoning balance: Adding too much or too little seasoning can throw off the flavor. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust after tasting.
• Using the wrong chicken cut: Opting for skin-on or bone-in pieces can lead to greasiness. Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a leaner dish.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it tough. Monitor the cooking time and remove it as soon as it’s fully cooked.
• Neglecting the blending step: Skipping the optional blending of some beans can result in a thinner broth. Blend part of the beans to create a creamier texture.
• Serving without toppings: Forgetting toppings can dull your chili’s flavor. Garnish with lime wedges, avocado, or cheese for added richness and freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Place cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat while stirring until heated through; add a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding White Chicken Chili.

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with shredded chicken, white beans, and flavorful spices, offering a delicious twist on traditional chili.

Can I make White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours for an easy meal prep option.

How do I customize my White Chicken Chili?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Adjust seasonings or add more spice with extra jalapeños to suit your taste.

Is White Chicken Chili gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free flour or omit flour altogether. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free.

How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili?

For a thicker consistency, blend part of the beans before adding them back into the pot. You can also add more cream cheese at the end.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is both comforting and versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences!