What are the main ingredients needed for White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili typically includes cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover works well), white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans, chicken broth, mild green chilies, onion, garlic, corn (frozen or canned), and spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and coriander. Cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese is added for creaminess. Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten the flavor, while optional toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips add texture.

How do I make White Chicken Chili creamy without adding heavy cream?

To achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream, puree a portion of the white beans with some chicken broth and stir this mixture back into the chili. This technique thickens the chili naturally and adds body without extra dairy or flour. The cream cheese also helps create a smooth consistency while maintaining rich flavor.

Can I prepare White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, White Chicken Chili is slow cooker-friendly. Add raw chicken breasts, chicken broth, onions, garlic, green chilies, and spices to the crockpot. Cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, add softened cream cheese, then stir in pureed beans, whole beans, corn, shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro. Heat through before serving.

What are some good occasions or times to serve White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is perfect for busy weeknights, especially during fall and winter when a warm, filling meal is welcome. It’s also a popular choice for casual gatherings like football games, Halloween parties, or family dinners due to its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors.

How can I customize White Chicken Chili to suit different spice preferences?

You can adjust the heat by selecting different types of green chilies—mild for a gentle flavor or hotter varieties if you prefer spice. Adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper can increase heat levels. Balancing spicy flavors with cream cheese and lime juice helps keep the chili flavorful without overpowering heat.

White Chicken Chili Recipe with Creamy Texture and Bold Flavors

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 diced onion Provides a sweet base and adds depth to the flavor of the white chicken chili.; – 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to enhance the aroma and prevent sticking in the pot.; – 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Infuses the dish with a pungent, savory note essential for white chicken chili.; – 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Acts as the liquid base, keeping the soup light and flavorful; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.; – 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild) Adds a gentle heat and tang, contributing to the bold flavors in white chicken chili.; – 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin Brings earthy warmth and is a key spice that defines the taste of creamy chicken chili.; – 1/2 teaspoon paprika Offers a subtle smokiness and color, enhancing the overall profile of blanco chili.; – 1/2 teaspoon oregano Provides herbal notes that balance the spices in your white chicken chili.; – 1/2 teaspoon coriander Adds a citrusy undertone, complementing the other seasonings in the recipe.; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Introduces a bit of heat, adjustable based on your preference for white chicken chili.; – Salt and pepper, to taste Seasons the dish to perfection, ensuring every bite of creamy chicken chili is just right.; – 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese, cut into small cubes Creates a creamy texture without heavy fats, making white chicken chili rich and smooth.; – 1 1/4 cups frozen corn Adds sweetness and texture, boosting the nutrition in your blanco chili.; – 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (great northern beans as an alternative) Serve as the hearty base, providing protein and fiber for white chicken chili; remember to drain and rinse.; – 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken The main protein that makes this creamy chicken chili satisfying and filling.; – 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing to your white chicken chili.; – 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, plus more for serving Lends a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Description

🍲 This White Chicken Chili boasts a creamy texture balanced with bold, complex flavors, perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
🌿 Featuring tender chicken, beans, and spices, it offers a nutritious dish packed with protein and fiber that’s ideal for any season.

Ingredients

– 1 diced onion Provides a sweet base and adds depth to the flavor of the white chicken chili.

– 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to enhance the aroma and prevent sticking in the pot.

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Infuses the dish with a pungent, savory note essential for white chicken chili.

– 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Acts as the liquid base, keeping the soup light and flavorful; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.

– 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild) Adds a gentle heat and tang, contributing to the bold flavors in white chicken chili.

– 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin Brings earthy warmth and is a key spice that defines the taste of creamy chicken chili.

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika Offers a subtle smokiness and color, enhancing the overall profile of blanco chili.

– 1/2 teaspoon oregano Provides herbal notes that balance the spices in your white chicken chili.

– 1/2 teaspoon coriander Adds a citrusy undertone, complementing the other seasonings in the recipe.

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Introduces a bit of heat, adjustable based on your preference for white chicken chili.

– Salt and pepper, to taste Seasons the dish to perfection, ensuring every bite of creamy chicken chili is just right.

– 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese, cut into small cubes Creates a creamy texture without heavy fats, making white chicken chili rich and smooth.

– 1 1/4 cups frozen corn Adds sweetness and texture, boosting the nutrition in your blanco chili.

– 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (great northern beans as an alternative) Serve as the hearty base, providing protein and fiber for white chicken chili; remember to drain and rinse.

– 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken The main protein that makes this creamy chicken chili satisfying and filling.

– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing to your white chicken chili.

– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, plus more for serving Lends a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Instructions

1-First Step: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This step helps build the base flavor, so add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. For a vegan twist, you can use vegetable oil here and prepare to swap proteins later.

2-Second Step: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring to avoid burning. This releases the garlic’s aroma without overpowering the dish. Then, stir in the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. For low-calorie adaptations, use low-sodium broth to keep sodium in check.

3-Third Step: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating the bold profile of white chicken chili. While it simmers, drain and rinse the beans, then measure out 1 cup and set aside the rest.

4-Fourth Step: Transfer 1 cup of the beans to a food processor with 1/4 cup of the soup broth and puree until nearly smooth. This technique thickens the blanco chili naturally; if you’re making it low-calorie, this step keeps it creamy without extra dairy. Add the light cream cheese, frozen corn, whole beans, and pureed beans to the pot, stirring well, then simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes over medium-low heat.

5-Fifth Step: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, fresh lime juice, and fresh cilantro, heating through for a couple of minutes. This ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful. For slow-cooker variations, add raw chicken at the start with broth and spices, cooking on high for about 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, then follow with the cream cheese and other additions.

6-Final Step: Serve the white chicken chili hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, tortilla chips or strips, and extra cilantro. Simmering times might vary, so aim for 20-30 minutes total on the stove for the best texture. For pressure-cooker users, cook on high for 10-12 minutes after sautéing the onion and garlic. Remember, for dietary needs, swap chicken for plant-based options and use vegetable broth to make it vegan-friendly.

Notes

🐔 Adding cooked chicken at the end keeps it tender and juicy.
🥣 Pureeing a portion of the beans with broth creates creaminess without extra dairy or thickeners.
⏲️ For slow cooker, cook raw chicken with broth and spices, then add cream cheese and beans at the end for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 383 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 525 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 77 mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, bold chili flavors, chicken and bean chili