Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cold Days

Crafting a delightful white chicken chili brings comfort to lazy weekends at home.

Bowls of warmth invite relaxation and culinary adventure.

Hearty ingredients merge perfectly in this crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Tender chicken mingles with creamy broth, creating unexpected layers of flavor.

Mild spices dance through each spoonful, promising a gentle kick without overwhelming heat.

Nutritious beans and rich cream combine for a soul-soothing experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooking doesn’t get more inviting than this simple, delectable chili.

Walk into your kitchen and let this recipe become your next delicious memory.

Why Creamy White Chicken Chili Is So Satisfying

• Whips up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Requires basic kitchen skills with simple sautéing and stirring, making it accessible for beginner cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Easily customizable with optional toppings like cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips, ensuring everyone can personalize their bowl and enjoy the meal.
• Packed with protein from chicken and white beans, creates a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in a single hearty dish.

Ingredients for This Cozy Bowl of White Chili

• Chicken: Tender shredded meat provides the main protein source for the chili, best when cooked and easily pulled apart.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes add extra protein and hearty texture to the dish, ideal when using canned or pre-cooked beans.

• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that creates a rich, smooth base and thickens the chili, softened at room temperature for easy melting.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a velvety consistency to the chili.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the chili, adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic quality and enhances the other ingredients' tastes.
• Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and subtle pepper flavor, typically found in canned diced form.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing aromatics and creating a base for the chili.

• Cumin: Earthy spice that gives a warm, traditional chili flavor.
• Oregano: Herbal note that complements the other spices.
• Chili Powder: Optional spice blend that adds warmth and depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright, final flavor touch.
• Lime: Adds a zesty, fresh citrus note.
• Shredded Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness.
• Avocado: Creamy, fresh accompaniment.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy optional topping for texture.

How to Cook Creamy White Chicken Chili Easily

Step 1: Kickstart The Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent. Drop in minced garlic and let it dance around for another moment.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

• Cumin
• Oregano
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add green chilies and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Step 3: Build The Hearty Core

• White beans
• Shredded chicken

Let everything simmer and mingle for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to become best friends.

Step 4: Transform Into Creamy Goodness

Introduce softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely. Pour in heavy cream for that luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 5: Perfect The Consistency

Continue simmering 5-10 minutes until chili thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as your palate desires.

Step 6: Dress And Impress

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Crispy tortilla chips

Tips to Get the Perfect Creamy Texture

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and green chilies to control heat intensity, making the dish mild or spicy according to preference.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Quick Meal Prep: Prepare this chili in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
• Thickening Tricks: If chili seems too thin, mash some white beans or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired consistency without compromising flavor.

How to Store and Warm Up White Chili Leftovers

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick meals.
• Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
• Heat in microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed. Add a little cream or broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

What to Serve with This Hearty White Chili

• Opt for a chardonnay with moderate oak to complement the creamy texture of the chili, enhancing its rich and smooth profile.
• Blend a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to cut through the chili's creaminess and provide a zesty counterpoint to the dish's warmth.
• Toss a light green salad with cilantro, lime vinaigrette, and mixed greens to add freshness and balance the chili's creamy, hearty nature.
• Choose a rustic sourdough or artisan bread to soak up the chili's delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast.

Ideas for Flavorful Variations of White Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a luscious, plant-based alternative that maintains the chili's rich texture.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap white beans for cauliflower florets and use bone broth instead of chicken broth to create a keto-friendly version packed with nutrients.
• Vegetarian Venture: Substitute chicken with roasted jackfruit or firm tofu, and use vegetable broth to transform the recipe into a hearty meatless meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Spicy Sensation: Boost heat by adding diced jalapeños, increasing chili powder, or incorporating a splash of hot sauce for those craving an extra kick in their white chicken chili.

White Chicken Chili Questions and Answers

• Why are white beans used in this chili?

White beans provide a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. They also add protein and fiber, making the chili more nutritious and filling.

• Can I use different types of white beans?

Absolutely! Cannellini, great northern, or navy beans all work great in this recipe. Choose the variety you prefer or have on hand.

• How can I make this chili spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, increase the amount of chili powder, or include a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also top the chili with crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

• Is this chili gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Mexican-inspired Creamy White Chicken Chili delivers hearty southwestern flavors with rich, smooth textures. Robust protein and delicate spices blend perfectly, offering hungry diners a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Beans and Chilies:

• 2 cans (400 g/14 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (300 g/10 oz) diced green chilies

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and tender, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, allowing it to bloom and release its fragrant essence for approximately one minute.
3. Sprinkle cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the aromatic base, stirring to create a deeply seasoned foundation for the chili.
4. Pour in chicken broth and diced green chilies, bringing the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer that allows flavors to intermingle and develop.
5. Incorporate white beans and shredded chicken into the simmering liquid, letting the ingredients meld together and create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes for 15-20 minutes.
6. Carefully fold in softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it completely dissolves and creates a luxuriously smooth consistency throughout the chili.
7. Stream in heavy cream to enhance the richness and provide an additional layer of velvety depth to the dish.
8. Continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the chili to slightly thicken and concentrate its flavors.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
10. Ladle the chili into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a bright squeeze of lime, and optional toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the most tender and flavorful meat in the chili.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Prepare this chili ahead of time, as flavors develop and intensify when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg