White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this creamy chili delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and smooth cream cheese creates a delightful bowl of goodness that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy broth combines spices and ingredients that create an incredibly satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or as a hearty side. It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla strips, or even over rice.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe yields plenty, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep for the week.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat level or add your favorite toppings to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To make this White Chicken Chili, having the right tools will simplify your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot (4 1/2-quart)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly and allowing enough space for simmering.
• Blender: Useful for puréeing beans if you want a thicker broth, but optional if you prefer a chunkier texture.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe is easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot! The broth has the BEST creamy white broth with cream cheese, green chilies, corn, shredded chicken, and simple seasonings.

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast
• Salt/Pepper to taste
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• Toppings: Lime wedges, Diced Avocado, Sour cream, Tortilla Strips, Fritos, Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Combine Seasonings

Combine all seasoning ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Add diced onions and jalapeno; cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Make the Base

Add flour to the pot:
1. Toss to coat the vegetables.
2. Cook for about 2 minutes until raw flour smell dissipates.

Step 4: Add Liquids Gradually

Pour in chicken broth:
1. Add it gradually while stirring continuously.
2. Follow by adding half and half in small splashes.

Step 5: Blend Beans for Thickness (Optional)

If desired:
1. Reserve one heaping cup of drained beans.
2. Blend it with about half a cup of broth until smooth.
3. Return blended mixture to the pot along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Add seasonings along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies:
1. Bring everything to a boil.
2. Allow it to gently boil uncovered for about 15 minutes before reducing heat to simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper:
1. Add them along with corn into the pot.
2. Let simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Remove chicken from the pot.
2. Shred using two forks before returning it back into the chili.

Step 9: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low:
1. Stir in softened cream cheese gradually until fully melted into the chili.

Step 10: Final Adjustments

Taste your chili:
1. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot with your choice of toppings like lime wedges or avocado!

Enjoy your delicious White Chicken Chili!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it creamy or with a bit of crunch, there are plenty of ways to enhance your bowl of chili.

Toppings

• Diced Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Tortilla Strips: Introduces a satisfying crunch and adds depth.
• Shredded Cheese: Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese melts beautifully on top.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet and soft cornbread pairs perfectly with the chili.
• Rice: Serve the chili over rice for a hearty meal.
• Salad: A light side salad can balance the richness of the chili.
• Fritos: These corn chips add an enjoyable crunch when sprinkled on top.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Creating the perfect White Chicken Chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices; they enhance the flavor profile immensely.
• Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best results.
• Thicker Broth: Blend some beans as suggested for a creamier texture in the broth.
• Simmer Gently: Allowing the chili to simmer gently helps develop deep flavors without toughening the chicken.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking for optimal flavor balance.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with White Chicken Chili can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: A classic choice that complements chili with its sweet flavor and fluffy texture.
2. Garlic Bread: Buttery garlic bread provides a savory side that pairs well with soup-based dishes.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices, this rice adds another layer of taste and makes for a filling addition.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and texture that contrasts nicely with creamy chili.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection make a healthy, flavorful side dish.
6. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can be dipped into the chili for an extra indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be a breeze, but certain mistakes can detract from your dish. Here are some common errors to avoid:

• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your ingredients can lead to bland chili. Always taste as you go and adjust the seasoning for a flavorful result.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on cooking times and shred the chicken once it’s just cooked through.
• Skipping the blending step: Not blending some beans leaves the chili less creamy. Blend a portion of the beans for a thicker texture that makes every spoonful delightful.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold cream cheese can cause clumping. Soften it before adding to ensure it melts smoothly into your chili.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking too quickly can affect flavor development. Allow flavors to meld by simmering gently rather than boiling aggressively.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this delicious White Chicken Chili, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Yes! This dish actually tastes better after sitting for a day, allowing the flavors to develop further.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in White Chicken Chili?

You can use Greek yogurt or cashew cream as alternatives for a creamy texture without using cream cheese.

Is White Chicken Chili spicy?

The spice level can vary based on how much jalapeno and cayenne pepper you use. Adjust these ingredients based on your preference.

How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili?

Blend some of the beans with broth or add more flour during cooking to achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I add vegetables to my White Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different toppings like diced avocado or tortilla strips, making each bowl unique. Try this comforting dish for dinner tonight; you won’t be disappointed!