Cozy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Heartwarming Dinners

Crafting a soul-warming white chicken chili brings comfort to chilly evenings with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with creamy white beans and a zesty blend of spices.

Mild green chiles add a subtle kick that dances across your palate without overwhelming heat.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this recipe delivers precisely that.

Chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream will make you the dinner hero your loved ones adore.

Grab a ladle and dive into this irresistible chili that promises to become your new cold-weather obsession.

Why White Chicken Chili Is So Comforting

• Boost Protein Power: Packed with shredded chicken and creamy beans, this chili delivers a satisfying protein punch perfect for muscle recovery and keeping hunger at bay.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla chips let everyone personalize their bowl, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup, with straightforward ingredients and steps that even novice cooks can master, transforming dinner into a stress-free experience.
• Spice Up Your Wellness: Loaded with anti-inflammatory spices like cumin and oregano, this chili offers a delicious way to boost nutrition while tantalizing your taste buds with complex, warming flavors.

What Goes Into White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the chili.

• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that provide texture and additional protein.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that build a rich foundational flavor.

• Neufchatel Cheese: A lighter cream cheese that adds smoothness and creaminess to the chili.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps create the soup's consistency.

• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Coriander, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that create a complex and warm flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Lime Juice: A bright, acidic element that adds freshness.
• Cilantro: An herb that provides a clean, herbaceous note.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, Avocado, Tortilla Chips: Garnishes that add extra texture and flavor.

Cooking White Chicken Chili Step By Step

Step 1: Sizzle The Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened and slightly translucent.

Step 2: Awaken The Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and sauté briefly until the kitchen fills with an aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Coriander
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.

Step 4: Prepare The Beans

Drain and rinse cannellini beans. Separate 1 cup of beans and blend with broth in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Build The Chili

• Neufchatel cheese
• Corn
• Whole beans
• Pureed beans

Mix until cheese melts completely and ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Add Protein And Brightness

Incorporate shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Allow flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Simmer for a few more minutes to develop deeper flavors.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle hot chili into bowls. Top with optional garnishes like Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, extra cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips.

Tips That Help With White Chicken Chili

• Boost Bean Creaminess: Puree a portion of cannellini beans to create a rich, velvety texture that elevates the chili's overall smoothness.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your heat preference, ensuring the dish suits every palate from mild to wild.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast ground spices like cumin and coriander briefly before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.
• Enhance Protein Flexibility: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary needs.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Make extra batches and freeze in portion-sized containers for convenient, ready-to-reheat meals during busy weeks.

White Chicken Chili Twists To Try

• Spicy Green Chicken Chili: Replace green chilies with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a hotter version. Add extra cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Swap chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chili: Replace corn and beans with riced cauliflower. Use Greek yogurt instead of Neufchatel cheese for lower calorie content.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Chili: Substitute Neufchatel cheese with coconut cream. Use coconut milk as a base for a creamy, allergen-friendly alternative that maintains rich flavor profile.

Sides That Go With White Chicken Chili

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the chili's spicy and creamy profile. The beer's clean, refreshing taste cuts through the richness and balances the heat.
• Enhance with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright, citrusy notes that mirror the lime juice and provide a sharp contrast to the creamy white chicken chili. Its acidity will refresh your palate between bites.
• Boost with Fresh Cilantro Margarita: Create a cocktail using fresh cilantro, tequila, lime juice, and a touch of agave. This drink echoes the chili's herbal and citrus undertones while adding a festive, zesty dimension to your meal.
• Complement with Cornbread Sidekick

Storage Tips For White Chicken Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping flavors sealed and fresh.
• Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 2-3 months without losing taste quality.
• Pour chili into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Questions About White Chicken Chili

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños during the sauté stage to increase heat intensity. Start with small amounts and adjust to your preferred spice level.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and spices are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free status.

• Can I use different beans?

Absolutely! Great alternatives include Great Northern beans or navy beans. They have similar textures and will work perfectly in this white chicken chili recipe.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, opt for Greek yogurt instead of Neufchatel cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets zest in this hearty White Chicken Chili, blending creamy textures with bold southwestern spices. Tender chicken, white beans, and green chiles create a soul-warming dish that invites you to savor each spoonful of pure deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2.5 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
• 2 15 ounces (425 grams) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Broth:

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 7 ounces (198 grams) can diced green chilies
• 1.25 cups frozen or fresh corn
• 2 14.5 ounces (411 grams) cans low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1.5 teaspoons cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 8 ounces (226 grams) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving)

Optional Toppings:

• Tortilla chips or strips
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced avocado

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté diced onions for 4 minutes until translucent and softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Pour in chicken broth and incorporate green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
7. Drain and rinse cannellini beans, separating 1 cup for pureeing.
8. Blend the reserved beans with broth in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
9. Stir Neufchatel cheese into the simmering liquid until completely melted.
10. Add corn, whole beans, and bean puree to the pot, mixing thoroughly.
11. Continue simmering for 5-10 minutes to develop deeper flavors.
12. Incorporate shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
13. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for balanced flavor profile.
14. Ladle hot chili into serving bowls and garnish with Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, additional cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit to create a vegan version of this comforting chili.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt additions during cooking.
• Boost protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or incorporating quinoa into the recipe.
• Enhance creaminess by using a blender to puree beans if a food processor isn’t available, ensuring smooth texture without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 236 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg