Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, zesty green chiles, and a blend of spices to warm your soul. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week, this chili is both healthy and satisfying. Whether you choose to prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy every comforting spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is a breeze for busy weekdays.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Make it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot—choose what suits your schedule best!
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is both hearty and nutritious.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Great for Meal Prep: This chili keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal planning.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot (5-6 quart)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Food processor (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly while allowing enough space to simmer all the ingredients together.
- Food processor: Useful for pureeing beans to achieve that creamy texture; however, it’s optional if you prefer a chunkier chili.
Ingredients
This creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food with shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and warming spices in every spoonful. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this healthy chili recipe can be made on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Juice from ½ small lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Shredded cheese, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sliced avocado, for garnish
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
Add low-sodium chicken broth, diced green chilies, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare Beans
Drain and rinse the great northern beans in a strainer. Measure out one big ladleful of beans and place them into a food processor with a splash of broth from the pot. Puree until smooth—this step helps create a creamy texture but is optional if you prefer whole beans.
Step 4: Simmer Chili Mixture
Add both pureed beans and whole beans along with corn to the soup pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered for about 15 to 30 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Stir in Chicken and Sour Cream
Remove from heat once simmered. Stir in sour cream and cooked shredded chicken until fully combined.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips as desired. Enjoy your delicious bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Serving your Creamy White Chicken Chili is as important as making it. You can elevate the dining experience with a few simple additions that complement the rich flavors of this comforting dish.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the chili’s spiciness.
- Shredded Cheese: A handful of your favorite cheese enhances the creaminess.
Accompany with Crunchy Textures
- Tortilla Chips: Serve on the side for a crunchy contrast, perfect for dipping.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp bite.
Pair with Additional Sides
- Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread complements the chili’s spicy notes.
- Rice: Fluffy rice absorbs the chili, making for a hearty meal.
How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
To ensure your Creamy White Chicken Chili turns out amazing every time, follow these helpful tips.
- flavors matter: Adjust spices like cumin and cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Creamy texture: For an extra creamy consistency, blend some of the beans before adding them back into the pot.
- Cook longer for depth: Letting the chili simmer longer develops richer flavors; aim for at least 30 minutes uncovered.
- Use rotisserie chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor without extra cooking effort.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding different toppings such as jalapeños or sour cream for variety.
- Make it a day ahead: Allowing the chili to sit overnight enhances its flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Complement your delicious Creamy White Chicken Chili with some fantastic side dishes. They not only enhance your meal but also provide a delightful balance of flavors.
- Cornbread: This sweet bread is perfect for soaking up chili. Serve warm with butter.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice adds texture and absorbs extra broth beautifully.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad that adds crunch and sweetness to each bite.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into your chili.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan brings freshness to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice and cheese complement the chili perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the chicken: When adding chicken to your chili, ensure it is just heated through. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
- Neglecting seasoning: Always taste your chili as it cooks. Adjust salt and spices to enhance flavors; otherwise, it may end up bland.
- Skipping the pureeing step: While optional, pureeing some beans adds a creamy texture. Skipping this can result in a thinner chili.
- Using high-sodium broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, making your dish healthier and more flavorful.
- Adding ingredients too early: Some ingredients like sour cream should only be added at the end to prevent curdling. Add them just before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the chili will expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about this delicious recipe.
How can I make my Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe spicier?
You can add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Can I use other types of beans in this white chicken chili?
Yes! You can substitute great northern beans with navy beans or cannellini beans based on your taste and availability.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
Certainly! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I thicken my Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
If you want a thicker consistency, puree more beans or add cornmeal or masa harina during cooking.
What toppings go well with Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, green onions, and tortilla chips for crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is not just comfort food; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds. Give it a try and enjoy every warm spoonful!
Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of this Creamy White Chicken Chili, a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, zesty green chiles, and a medley of spices. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or preparing for a busy week ahead, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. With its versatility in cooking methods—stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot—this chili accommodates any schedule. Top it with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro and avocado for an extra flavor boost. Easy to make and delightful to savor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Juice from ½ small lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Shredded cheese, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Sliced avocado, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened (3–5 minutes), then add minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Rinse beans; blend one ladleful with a splash of broth until smooth (optional). Add both pureed and whole beans along with corn to the pot.
- Simmer uncovered for 15-30 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in shredded chicken and sour cream until combined.
- Serve hot garnished with cilantro, cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker/Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
