If you’re searching for tasty chili recipes, try this simple white chicken chili. It’s a mix of chicken, white beans, green chiles, and spices in a creamy broth. It’s great for a cozy dinner at home. With only 15 minutes needed to prepare and 40 minutes to cook, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour!
This recipe makes 8 servings, perfect for dinners or gatherings. Each serving has 334 calories and is balanced nutritionally with 15g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 21g of protein. It’s also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And 74% of readers gave this chili recipe top marks!
Key Takeaways
- Prep time: 15 minutes; cook time: 40 minutes
- Serves 8; 334 calories per serving
- Award-winning and highly rated by users
- Great for family dinners and game day
- Simple ingredients and quick preparation
Introduction to Creamy White Chicken Chili
Picture this: you’re back from a long day, yearning for a warm meal. Something easy yet fulfilling. Creamy White Chicken Chili is exactly that. It’s a one-pot wonder, topping the comfort food charts. Its rich taste and creamy feel are perfect for cozy evenings.
This chili is special because it uses shredded rotisserie chicken, white beans, and spices. It’s flexible and ranks as a top easy dinner idea. Ingredients like onion, garlic, cumin, and chicken broth blend well over a quick simmer. They create a dish full of flavors.
It only takes 45 minutes to cook and it’s not too hard to make. You start with oil, onion, and garlic. Then add spices like chives, oregano, coriander, cumin, and green chiles for a bit of heat. This mix makes the dish lively.
What’s great about this chili is how you can tweak it. Add cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado based on what you like. It pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips. Plus, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, which is perfect for meal prep.
Looking for a dish that’s both easy and flavorful? Creamy white chicken chili is the answer. It’s loved by many for its simple approach and tasty results. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pleases everyone.
On a cold night or when you’re short on time, this chili is a lifesaver. It turns simple ingredients into a delicious bowl of comfort. Perfect for any day.
Ingredients Needed for White Chicken Chili
To whip up a tasty white chicken chili, you’ll need the right ingredients. This guide will show you exactly what you need for a cozy meal.
Main Ingredients
Start with these key items to make a fulfilling white chicken chili:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4-6 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cans of white beans (14 oz each), such as Great Northern beans or cannellini beans
- 2 cans of diced green chilies (4 oz each)
- 4 oz of cream cheese, cubed
- The juice of 1 small lime
Spices and Seasonings
The right spices give this chili its unique flavor. You’ll need:
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
Feel free to adjust ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Together, these spices create a bold, complex flavor.
Here’s a quick list of the essentials and their amounts:
| Main Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast | 1 pound |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Chicken Broth | 4-6 cups |
| White Beans | 2 cans (14 oz each) |
| Diced Green Chilies | 2 cans (4 oz each) |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz, cubed |
| Lime Juice | Juice of 1 small lime |
Gather these ingredients to start your white chicken chili. With the perfect spice mix and key components, your chili will be delicious and hearty.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to make a tasty white chicken chili. It’s perfect for anyone cooking on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Just follow these steps for an amazing meal.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 chopped medium onion until it’s see-through. Then, add 2 chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces. Cook them, stirring a lot, until they’re not pink. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute to make it smell great.
Adding the Beans and Broth
After the chicken cooks, it’s time to add flavor. Put in 2 cups of chicken broth. Next, add 2 cans of white beans and 2 cans of green chilies with their juices. Sprinkle the mix with chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano. Add salt and pepper as you like.
Simmer and Blend Flavors
Let the chili boil gently, then simmer it for about 30 minutes. Stir it now and then to prevent sticking. This helps mix the flavors well, making it rich and creamy. Lastly, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Stir till it melts and blends into the chili, making it smooth and creamy.
| Nutritional Info | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 591kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48g (16%) |
| Protein | 39g (78%) |
| Fat | 27g (42%) |
| Saturated Fat | 11g (69%) |
| Cholesterol | 113mg (38%) |
| Sodium | 700mg (30%) |
| Potassium | 1419mg (41%) |
| Fiber | 10g (42%) |
| Sugar | 5g (6%) |
| Vitamin A | 855IU (17%) |
| Vitamin C | 14.6mg (18%) |
| Calcium | 240mg (24%) |
| Iron | 8.2mg (46%) |
By following these steps, you’ll make a perfect pot of white chicken chili. It’s creamy, delicious, and ready to enjoy!
What Makes This Chili Creamy
The secret to creamy chili lies in certain dairy products. To get that perfect white chili texture, cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sour cream are essential. Adding these after cooking keeps the smooth chili recipe from curdling.
Cream cheese thickens the chili and adds creaminess. Half and half makes it even smoother. Sour cream brings a tang that balances the taste.
Adding these rich ingredients after the heat ensures the chili stays creamy and delicious. With spices, poblano peppers, chicken stock, and white beans, this smooth chili recipe is both comforting and exciting.
The recipe yields six servings. It’s packed with protein and fiber. Perfect for sharing or meal prep.
Tips for the Best Creamy White Chicken Chili
Making great homemade chili means knowing a few key things. Let’s look at important tips to make your chili tasty and cooking simple.
Using Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken speeds up making chili. Just add shredded chicken to your pot. You won’t need to cook chicken first. If using raw chicken, try 1.5 lbs with broth for soft, moist meat.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Getting the spice level right makes chicken chili delicious. To help, here are chili recipe tips:
- To less heat, use 1 can of green chilies, not 2.
- For a milder flavor, try ½ cup salsa verde instead.
- Skip cayenne pepper if you don’t like spice.
With these chili recipe tips, you can tailor the heat to your liking. Enjoy making perfect homemade chili that tastes great for you.
Alternative Ingredients for Your Chili
Looking for new ways to love your white chicken chili? You can find tasty, health-minded swaps. Maybe you want a veggie meal or can’t have dairy. There’s a yummy choice for all.
Vegetarian Options
It’s easy to make a vegetarian white chili that fills you up. Just use more beans like Cannellini or Great Northern. Add in veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it rich in taste.
Other Dairy Substitutes
Looking for dairy-free chili alternatives? It’s simple to make your chili creamy without dairy. Use coconut yogurt or almond-based sour cream instead of regular ones. Try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for that creamy feel.
These changes aren’t just for those with special diets. They also bring new, tasty twists to your chili. Try these chili recipe variations to meet your needs and maybe find a new favorite.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Making your white chicken chili better is easy with tons of chili serving ideas and chili toppings. You can keep it simple or add a fun twist, with many choices available.
Topping Ideas
To boost the taste and look, check out these suggested toppings. Here are some top picks:
- Tortilla strips
- Spicy pickled onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Mexican cheese blend
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Hot sauce
- Green onions
- Lime juice
Every one of these chili toppings brings its own flavor and texture. They make your creamy white chicken chili even better.
Side Dishes
Choosing the right sides can enhance your chili meal. There are plenty of side dishes for chili to pick from, allowing you to match your taste and needs.
- Garlic bread
- Classic cornbread or cornbread muffins
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Chimichurri chicken sandwiches
- Baked flautas de pollo
- Chicken fajita quesadillas
- Chorizo quesadillas
- Gallo Pinto
- Arroz verde
- Mexican red rice
- Taco coleslaw
- Santa Fe salad
- Summer street corn salad
- Crispy oven-baked fries
- Baked sweet plantains
- Skillet charred corn
- Pineapple pico de gallo salsa
- Cashew queso
- White cheddar chicken nacho
Also, a spicy Moscow mule or a bourbon margarita makes the meal complete. With these side dishes for chili and unique chili serving ideas, you’re ready for a tasty and full meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
To keep your creamy white chicken chili fresh and delicious, store it right. Whether you freeze or chill it, following these tips will keep the taste and texture great.
Refrigeration Tips
Storing chili in the fridge? Use an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days. Allow the chili to cool before putting it in the fridge. This stops it from getting watery.
Freezing the Chili
Freezing your homemade chili makes it last longer. Use a freezer-safe bag or container with little air inside to prevent freezer burn. You can keep it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge for 8-10 hours before you eat it.
Reheating Options
To reheat chili, use the stove or microwave. On the stove, warm it for 8-10 minutes and add some cream. Or, microwave it for 2-3 minutes for a quick option. You can also use a slow cooker. Set it on low for 3-4 hours, great for busy days.
For more tips and tricks, check out this resource on white chicken chili.
Interested in humor and smart talks? Cooking white chicken chili recipes can be fun! It adds something special to your cooking skills, making it a hit this winter.
It comes recommended by 21 satisfied customers. These steps make for a quick, comforting meal.💡👩🍳!
Benefits of Eating White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili tastes great and is full of nutrition. It’s a smart choice for any balanced diet. It’s packed with high-quality protein from lean chicken or turkey. These meats are low in fat, making your meal good for the heart. The recipe also features white beans, like Great Northern beans, adding protein and fiber.
Cauliflower in the chili boosts nutrients while keeping carbs low. The chili gets thicker without needing flour, thanks to cauliflower rice. It also helps with your daily fiber needs. Greek yogurt is used instead of heavy cream. This switch adds creaminess, cuts calories, and increases protein. Together, these ingredients create a healthy chili that’s good for you.
The dish is not just about protein and fiber. Spices like cumin and green Tabasco enhance the flavor and offer health perks, such as easing inflammation. Adding veggies like bell peppers and onions fills your bowl with vitamins and minerals. These ingredients make the chili not only tasty but also very nutritious.
Choosing low-sodium broth keeps the salt low, which is healthier. Toppings like avocado and Greek yogurt add to the chili’s health benefits. White Chicken Chili is more than just filling. It supports better health and well-being. It’s a great meal for anyone wanting to eat well and feel good.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients needed for Creamy White Chicken Chili?
You’ll need skinless, boneless chicken breast and white beans, like Great Northern or cannellini beans. Chicken broth and green chiles are also essential. Heavy whipping cream and sour cream make the dish creamy.
How do I prepare the chicken for this chili?
First, cook the chicken with onion and garlic in olive oil. Make sure the chicken isn’t pink anymore. Then, add the rest of the ingredients to your pot.
What spices and seasonings are used in this recipe?
Use salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper. These spices give the chili a bold and warm flavor.
How can I make this chili creamy?
For a creamy texture, add cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and sour cream after cooking. Stir them in off the heat to avoid curdling. This makes the chili smooth.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?
Sure, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that adds flavor. It’s a tasty substitute for home-cooked chicken in this dish.
How can I adjust the spice levels in this chili?
Adjust the spice by changing the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder used. Use less for mild flavors, or more for extra heat, based on your preference.
Are there vegetarian options available for this recipe?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Include a mix of beans. It will still be hearty and delicious.
What are some popular toppings and side dishes for this chili?
Top it with sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado, Mexican cheese, and tortilla strips. Pair with cornbread, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a full meal.
How should I store and reheat any leftovers?
Keep leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of heavy cream for creaminess.
What are the health benefits of eating White Chicken Chili?
This chili is rich in protein, fiber, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron. It’s nutritious and helps maintain a balanced diet. It’s both satisfying and good for your health.