Spicy Bobby Flay White Chicken Chili Recipe

White Chicken Chili Recipe by Bobby Flay That’s Comfort in a Bowl

Bobby Flay’s white chicken chili unleashes a flavor tornado that shatters traditional chili expectations.

This southwestern-inspired masterpiece transforms humble ingredients into a culinary symphony of taste and texture.

Tender chicken and creamy white beans waltz together, creating a dish that whispers comfort and sophistication.

Vibrant green chilies spark a gentle warmth that caresses your palate without scorching your senses.

Expertly blended spices elevate this chili from everyday meal to a gourmet sensation that sparks conversation.

Each spoonful tells a story of bold ingredients and masterful technique, promising a dining experience that lingers in memory.

Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that will become your new favorite dinner sensation.

What Tools Are Needed for White Chicken Chili

  • Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating depth of flavor and simmering your chili.
  • Fine Mesh Strainer: Essential for draining and rinsing beans quickly and efficiently.
  • Food Processor: Helps create a silky smooth bean puree with zero lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Ideal for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing fresh ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise mincing and chopping.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and blending ingredients without scratching your pan.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate spice measurements for balanced flavor.
  • Measuring Cup: Helps portion chicken broth and other liquid ingredients precisely.

Cooking Method for Bobby Flay’s White Chicken Chili

Cooking Method for Bobby Flay’s White Chicken Chili
  • Kickstart Flavor Fusion

Heat oil in a large pot, creating a sizzling canvas for your culinary adventure. Let the pan warm up, building anticipation for the delicious journey ahead.

  • Build Aromatic Foundation

Toss chopped onions into the heated oil, watching them transform into golden-brown delights. Quickly introduce minced garlic, letting its intense aroma dance through the kitchen.

  • Unleash Spice Symphony

Splash in chicken broth and shower the mixture with a vibrant blend of spices. Let each seasoning tell its own story – from earthy cumin to zesty cayenne, creating a robust flavor landscape.

  • Transform Bean Texture

Capture the magic by separating some beans and blending them into a silky-smooth cream. This technique adds incredible depth and creates a luxurious, velvety consistency.

  • Merge Culinary Elements

Combine the whole and pureed beans with corn and a touch of creamy cheese. Let everything simmer and mingle, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop a harmonious profile.

  • Elevate with Fresh Finale

Crown your creation with bright cilantro, a splash of tangy lime, and tender shredded chicken. Each sprinkle adds a burst of freshness that transforms the dish from good to extraordinary.

Serve piping hot and savor every spoonful of this soul-warming white chicken chili!

Customizing Bobby Flay’s White Chicken Chili

  • Enhance Your Chili Mastery: Smart Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and green chilies to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
  • Protein Power-Up: Swap shredded chicken with turkey, pulled pork, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse protein options.
  • Creamy Texture Tricks: Replace Neufchatel cheese with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or cream cheese to create different rich and tangy flavor profiles.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chili up to three days in advance, letting flavors meld and intensify in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding extra broth if needed to maintain perfect consistency.

Serving Advice for White Chicken Chili

  • Garnish with Zesty Herbs: Chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle generously over the chili to add a bright, fresh burst of flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy base.
  • Pair with Crunchy Companions: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or crusty sourdough to provide a delightful textural contrast and perfect dipping experience.
  • Create a Toppings Bar: Set out small bowls of additional garnishes like diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, and extra lime wedges, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to their taste preferences.
  • Elevate with Wine Pairing: Complement the chili's spicy and creamy profile with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, refreshing Mexican beer to balance the dish's rich flavors.

Leftover Storage Instructions for White Chicken Chili

  • Store with Care: Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Keep chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its rich flavors and creamy texture when stored properly.
  • Freeze for Later: Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chili stays delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Reheat Perfectly: Thaw refrigerated chili in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore its original creamy consistency. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Bobby Flay’s White Chicken Chili

For Aromatic Base:
  • Olive Oil: Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for robust flavor and smooth cooking.
  • Onions: Choose firm, bright white or yellow onions without soft spots or blemishes.
  • Garlic: Pick plump, firm garlic cloves with tight, unbroken skin for maximum pungency.
For Spice Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Use fresh, coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for vibrant taste.
  • Green Chilies: Select bright green, firm chilies without wrinkles for crisp heat.
  • Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Coriander, Cayenne Pepper: Opt for fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands.
For Protein and Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium, organic broth for controlled seasoning and clean flavor.
  • Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean, tender meat.
For Bean Elements:
  • White Beans: Pick canned or dried beans that are uniform in color and free from cracks.
  • Corn: Select sweet, crisp corn kernels, either fresh or frozen.
For Creamy Finishing:
  • Neufchatel Cheese: Choose soft, fresh cheese for smooth, tangy richness.
For Fresh Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Lime: Select bright green cilantro and firm, heavy limes for zesty freshness.
Print
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Spicy Bobby Flay White Chicken Chili Recipe

Spicy Bobby Flay White Chicken Chili Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Bobby Flay’s white chicken chili delivers hearty southwestern comfort with tender chicken, creamy beans, and robust spices. Home cooks can quickly recreate this flavorful dish that brings zesty warmth to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie or left-over chicken
  • 2 (15 oz / 425 grams) cans cannellini beans
  • 1 ¼ cup frozen or fresh corn
  • 2 (14.5 oz / 411 grams) cans of low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (7 oz / 198 grams) can diced green chilies
  • 1 (8 oz / 227 grams) package Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • tortilla chips or strips, Monterrey jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high, sautéing onions until golden and garlic becomes fragrant, releasing robust aromatics.
  2. Liquid Base Preparation: Pour chicken broth and integrate ground spices including cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Bean Transformation: Drain and rinse beans, reserving a portion to create a silky puree with soup liquid using a food processor, which will provide a creamy texture to the chili.
  4. Cheese Integration: Fold Neufchatel cheese into the simmering mixture, creating a luxurious and velvety consistency that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  5. Final Assembly: Incorporate whole beans, corn kernels, and bean puree, allowing the chili to simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors completely.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro, a vibrant lime juice squeeze, and tender chicken pieces, resulting in a complex and satisfying white chicken chili.

Notes

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Caramelize onions thoroughly to develop a rich, sweet foundation that elevates the entire chili’s taste profile.
  • Spice Balancing Act: Adjust cayenne pepper carefully to control heat level, ensuring a perfect blend of warmth without overwhelming spiciness.
  • Texture Enhancement: Puree some beans creates a luxurious, creamy base while whole beans maintain a satisfying, rustic texture.
  • Freshness Finale: Add cilantro and lime juice at the very end to preserve their bright, zesty flavors and provide a vibrant finish to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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