There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of white chicken chili. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, a blend of spices that dances with your senses. The creamy texture envelops tender chunks of chicken and hearty beans, while a hint of heat teases your taste buds. Cowboy Casserole Comfort Food Crockpot Chipotle Honey Lime Chicken It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for cozy nights in or lively gatherings with friends. Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Chili recipe recipe.
Reflecting on my first encounter with white chicken chili brings back memories of laughter and shared stories around the dinner table. I remember thinking it was just another chili until I took my first bite and was blown away by the flavors. Savory Chicken Sausage Broccoli Orzo Now, it’s a staple in my home, especially when we want to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- White chicken chili is quick to prepare, letting you whip up deliciousness in no time
- Its creamy, zesty profile will have everyone raving about seconds
- The eye-catching colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a showstopper at parties
I vividly recall making this dish during a family gathering; the cheers for seconds still echo in my heart.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
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White Beans: Use canned white beans for convenience; they add creaminess and protein to the dish.
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Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped, enhances flavor; use yellow onions for sweetness.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the dish; chop them finely for maximum flavor.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding depth to your chili.
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Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess that makes every spoonful feel luxurious; choose full-fat for the best results.
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Green Chilies: Canned green chilies bring mild heat; adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices are key for that classic chili flavor; fresh ground is best if available.
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Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides brightness; sprinkle it on top just before serving for freshness.
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Lime Juice: A squeeze at the end brightens everything up; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Begin by dicing your boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps ensure they cook evenly and absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent—about 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
Add Spices and Chicken: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the sautéed veggies. Stir in diced chicken and cook until lightly browned—around 4-5 minutes will do just fine.
Pour in Liquids and Beans: Pour in chicken broth and add canned white beans along with green chilies. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld together—this should take about 10 minutes.
Mix in Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until smooth. This creates that creamy texture we all love!
Add Final Touches : Squeeze lime juice into the pot, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh cilantro right before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Now you’ve created a pot of magic! Serve hot with tortilla chips or crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping or scooping!
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful white chicken chili—it truly warms not just your belly but also your heart!
You Must Know
- White chicken chili is creamy, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights
- With a bit of spice and a touch of tang, it brings comfort to every bite
- Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and tastes even better the next day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant before adding the chicken. This layering of flavors creates a rich base for your white chicken chili.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out beans or add corn for sweetness. You can also adjust the heat with jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve creamy perfection, use shredded rotisserie chicken; it saves time and adds great flavor
- Avoid overcooking the chili after adding cream to prevent curdling
- Adjust spices gradually to find your ideal balance of heat and flavor
It was during a blustery winter evening when my friends gathered around my kitchen table, bowls in hand, raving about my white chicken chili. Their laughter filled the air as they requested seconds—a memory I cherish!
FAQ
What can I serve with white chicken chili?
Serve this dish with crusty bread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Can I freeze white chicken chili?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Is white chicken chili spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference; add more or less jalapeño as desired.
White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up with a delicious bowl of white chicken chili, featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty spices. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or lively gatherings, delivering rich flavors and heartwarming satisfaction. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, it’s a family favorite that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Sprinkle in cumin and chili powder; stir in diced chicken and cook until lightly browned (4-5 minutes).
- Pour in chicken broth and add white beans and green chilies; bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low; mix in cream cheese until smooth.
- Squeeze lime juice into the pot; season with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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