Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili: A Comforting Bowl of Warmth
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483886H32M22S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 (15 oz) can white beans (like cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version); 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish); Lime wedges (optional for garnish); Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); Sour cream; Jalapeño slices; Crumbled tortilla chips

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing like a bowl of creamy white chicken chili to warm you up on a chilly day. This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, creamy beans, and a rich, flavorful broth that’s spiced just right. Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or game day gathering, this white chicken chili offers all the comforting flavors of a classic chili but with a light, creamy twist.

Unlike traditional red chili, which is made with tomatoes, white chicken chili uses white beans and chicken, giving it a unique flavor profile that’s both hearty and comforting. The addition of cream cheese or heavy cream adds a velvety richness that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re a long-time fan of chili or new to the world of white chili, this easy-to-make recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.

So, if you’re looking for a dish that combines warmth, heartiness, and a bit of spice, this creamy white chicken chili is your answer. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The addition of cream cheese or heavy cream gives this chili a smooth, creamy consistency that makes each spoonful feel luxurious.

2. Packed with Flavor

From the tender chicken to the spicy green chilies and earthy beans, this chili is bursting with flavors that meld together beautifully.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. Plus, it’s easy to make in one pot!

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This chili stores well in the fridge and makes great leftovers. It also freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it later on a busy day.

5. Customizable Heat Level

Whether you like it mild or spicy, you can adjust the amount of green chilies and spices to suit your taste. Make it as mild or hot as you like!

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
White beans (such as cannellini or northern beans)
Green chilies (canned or fresh)
Onion
Garlic
Chicken broth
Cream cheese or heavy cream (for creaminess)
Ground cumin, chili powder, paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla chips

Variations

Spicy Version: Add fresh diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cream cheese and replace with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version.
Slow Cooker: For a hands-off version, toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with additional beans or vegetables for a vegetarian take on this creamy chili.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to enhance the vegetable content.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, green chilies, and spices (cumin, chili powder, and paprika) to the pot. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Beans and Broth

Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Creaminess

Once the broth is simmering, add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream until fully incorporated and the chili becomes creamy. Let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Adjust Seasonings

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy white chicken chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips for added crunch.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy White Chicken Chili

Shred the chicken well: For the best texture, make sure to shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces so it blends nicely with the beans and broth.
Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for the raw chicken breasts to make the process even quicker.
Simmer for flavor: Allow the chili to simmer for a bit to let all the flavors come together. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
Control the heat: Taste the chili as you cook, and adjust the amount of spices or chilies based on how much heat you like.
Make it extra creamy: For a creamier chili, stir in a bit of sour cream or use full-fat cream cheese.

How to Serve

Creamy white chicken chili is best served with some added crunch and a dollop of cool toppings. Serve it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or warm crusty bread to help soak up the delicious broth. For extra flavor, top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It makes for an easy and comforting meal on busy days when you don’t have time to cook.

Freezing

If you have leftovers or want to make it ahead, this chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chili in a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a bit more chicken broth or water to thin it out as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it before cooking. If cooking from frozen, you can also cook the chicken directly in the broth and shred it after cooking.

2. Can I use other beans besides white beans?

Absolutely! You can use kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, depending on your preference. White beans are traditional, but any bean variety will work.

3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Just add all the ingredients (including raw chicken) into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken after cooking and stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of cream cheese or heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this recipe.

5. How do I make this chili spicier?

Add extra diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to make this chili spicier. You can adjust the heat level based on your personal taste.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken can be used in place of raw chicken. Simply add it to the pot after the vegetables and spices have sautéed.

7. How do I make the chili thicker?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash a portion of the beans in the pot to create a creamier consistency, or add a tablespoon of flour to the broth.

8. Can I add vegetables to the chili?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the dish and make it even heartier.

9. How can I store the leftovers?

Store the leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

10. Can I add cheese to the chili?

Yes, shredded cheese can be stirred in for extra creaminess, or you can add it on top of the chili when serving.

Conclusion

Creamy white chicken chili is the perfect dish for those cozy nights when you want something warm, comforting, and satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a rich and flavorful chili with just the right amount of spice and creaminess. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a party, or as a meal prep option, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy a hearty, delicious bowl of comfort!