What are the main ingredients needed to make white chicken chili?

White chicken chili typically includes cooked chicken (such as rotisserie or shredded breast), white beans like cannellini or great northern beans, chicken broth, diced green chilies, onion, garlic, corn, and cheese such as cream cheese or Neufchatel. Common spices include cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Fresh lime juice and cilantro are often added for brightness, and toppings can include avocado, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese.

How do I make white chicken chili creamy without using heavy cream?

To achieve a creamy texture without heavy cream, puree a portion of the white beans with some of the cooking broth and stir this mixture back into the chili. This technique thickens the soup naturally and adds a smooth consistency while keeping it lighter and dairy-friendly, avoiding extra thickeners or heavy cream.

Can I prepare white chicken chili in a slow cooker, and what steps should I follow?

Yes, white chicken chili works well in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing onions and garlic to soften them before adding them to the slow cooker with raw chicken breasts, broth, green chilies, and spices. Cook on high for about 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken to shred, then stir in softened cream cheese, pureed beans, whole beans, corn, shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro. Heat through before serving.

What occasions are ideal for serving white chicken chili?

White chicken chili is perfect for quick weeknight dinners during fall and winter, casual gatherings like football Sundays, Halloween parties, or any cozy get-togethers. Its warm, hearty nature and easy prep make it a convenient and comforting meal for busy days or social occasions.

How should I store and reheat leftover white chicken chili?

Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it slowly on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. White chicken chili also freezes well; portion it into containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

White Chicken Chili Recipe With Creamy Texture And Spice

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts for lean, tender protein that serves as the base; – 1 Tbsp olive oil for sautéing aromatics and adding healthy fats; – 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) 1 diced onion as noted in the summary; – 3 cloves finely minced garlic adds pungent flavor, as per the detailed instructions; – 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth builds the flavorful broth; – 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies (mild) brings heat and tang; – 1 tsp ground cumin a core spice for warm savory notes; – 1 tsp paprika adds depth and color; – 1 tsp oregano essential for the savory backbone; – 1 tsp coriander contributes layered flavors; – cayenne pepper for adjustable heat; – salt and pepper to taste for seasoning balance; – Neufchâtel cheese (light cream cheese) for creaminess; – frozen corn adds sweetness and texture; – 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (or great northern beans), drained and rinsed; 1 cup of beans to be pureed with some broth provides fiber and creaminess; – shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers) adds tender protein; – juice of 1 lime; fresh lime juice brightens the flavors; – 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; fresh cilantro for fresh, aromatic finish; – cheese (type not specified) for customizable garnishes; – sliced avocado for customizable garnishes; – chopped scallions for customizable garnishes; – tortilla chips for customizable garnishes; – extra lime wedges for customizable garnishes; – 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup heavy cream for a lighter or richer finish

Description

🍲 White Chicken Chili offers a creamy texture combined with a spicy, flavorful broth that warms and satisfies.
🌶️ Packed with tender chicken and hearty beans, it’s a nutritious and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

– 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts for lean, tender protein that serves as the base

– 1 Tbsp olive oil for sautéing aromatics and adding healthy fats

– 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup) 1 diced onion as noted in the summary

– 3 cloves finely minced garlic adds pungent flavor, as per the detailed instructions

– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth builds the flavorful broth

– 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies (mild) brings heat and tang

– 1 tsp ground cumin a core spice for warm savory notes

– 1 tsp paprika adds depth and color

– 1 tsp oregano essential for the savory backbone

– 1 tsp coriander contributes layered flavors

– cayenne pepper for adjustable heat

– salt and pepper to taste for seasoning balance

– Neufchâtel cheese (light cream cheese) for creaminess

– frozen corn adds sweetness and texture

– 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans (or great northern beans), drained and rinsed; 1 cup of beans to be pureed with some broth provides fiber and creaminess

– shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers) adds tender protein

– juice of 1 lime; fresh lime juice brightens the flavors

– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro; fresh cilantro for fresh, aromatic finish

– cheese (type not specified) for customizable garnishes

– sliced avocado for customizable garnishes

– chopped scallions for customizable garnishes

– tortilla chips for customizable garnishes

– extra lime wedges for customizable garnishes

– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or 1/2 cup heavy cream for a lighter or richer finish

Instructions

1-Gather and Prep Ingredients: First, get everything ready by trimming and patting dry 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, dicing one medium onion, mincing three cloves of garlic, and draining two 15-oz cans of white beans. Preparing in advance saves time when making white chicken chili. For a vegan twist, swap chicken for firm tofu or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead.

2-Sear Aromatics and Build Flavor: Next, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then stir in garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano for 30-45 seconds. This step deepens the base of your white chicken chili, and for gluten-free versions, stick to pure spices.

3-Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and add the drained beans, two 4-oz cans of diced green chilies, and chicken. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover for 20-25 minutes. In an Instant Pot, use the poultry setting for 8-10 minutes with a natural release to keep things simple.

4-Shred Chicken and Adjust Texture: Remove the chicken and shred it, then return it to the pot. For a thicker broth, mash 1 to 1.5 cups of beans with an immersion blender. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, mash just a few beans to maintain the creamy texture of white chicken chili.

5-Enrich and Season: Stir in 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream off the heat, along with juice of one lime and chopped cilantro. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk for that smooth finish.

6-Final Simmer and Texture Check: Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to blend flavors. If it’s too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered. This step ensures your white chicken chili has the perfect consistency.

7-Garnish and Serve: Ladle into bowls and add toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips. For vegan servings, skip the dairy and use plant-based alternatives.

Notes

🥄 Pureeing some beans with broth creates a creamy texture without extra dairy or thickening agents.
🍗 Using pre-cooked shredded chicken adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender.
⏲️ For slow cooker: add raw chicken breasts with broth and spices at start, cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, then add cream cheese, beans, corn, shredded chicken, lime, and cilantro, heat through before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
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 chili, spicy white chili, chicken and bean soup