What are the main ingredients needed for White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili typically includes shredded cooked chicken, cannellini or great northern beans, mild green chilies, chicken broth, onion, garlic, frozen or canned corn, and a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese is often added for creaminess, along with fresh lime juice and cilantro as finishing touches. Common toppings include avocado, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese.

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

To get a creamy texture without flour or heavy cream, puree a portion of the white beans with some of the chili broth, then stir this mixture back into the pot. This technique thickens the chili naturally while keeping it smooth and rich. Adding cream cheese also helps create a velvety consistency without overpowering the flavors.

Can I prepare White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker, and how?

Yes, White Chicken Chili works well in a slow cooker. Add raw chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, green chilies, chicken broth, beans, 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 to shred, then add cream cheese and pureed beans back to the pot, stirring until melted and creamy. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add lime juice and cilantro, then heat through before serving.

What are some ideal occasions or seasons for serving White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is perfect for cooler weather like fall and winter, as it provides a warm and comforting meal. It's a popular choice for game day gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, Halloween parties, or any event where a hearty, flavorful dish is needed that can feed a crowd with minimal prep time.

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

To adjust the heat level, you can choose mild or hot green chilies based on your preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeño can increase spiciness. For a milder chili, use mild chilies and reduce or omit spicy seasonings. Toppings like sour cream and avocado also help balance heat if your chili turns out too spicy. This flexibility lets you tailor the recipe to suit all tastes.

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 diced onion Provides a sweet base that builds flavor when sautéed; – 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to add healthy fats and prevent sticking; – 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Adds a pungent aroma and depth to the chili’s taste; – 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Forms the liquid base, keeping the chili hearty and flavorful; – 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild) Brings a mild heat and tang, enhancing the spicy element; – 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin Infuses earthy notes that define the chili’s signature spice blend; – 1/2 teaspoon paprika Contributes a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the mix; – 1/2 teaspoon oregano Adds herbal undertones for a well-rounded flavor profile; – 1/2 teaspoon coriander Offers a citrusy warmth that complements the other spices; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Provides an adjustable kick for that spicy flavor; – Salt and pepper to taste Balances and seasons the entire dish perfectly; – 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes Creates creaminess without heavy cream, making the chili rich and smooth; – 1 1/4 cups frozen corn (canned corn can be used as an alternative) Adds sweetness and texture, boosting the vegetable content; – 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Supply protein and body, with some pureed for extra creaminess; – 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers) Serves as the main protein, adding heartiness and flavor; – 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors at the end for a fresh finish; – 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro plus more for serving Infuses a burst of freshness and color as a garnish; – Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado Enhance the meal with crunch and extra taste

Description

🌶️ Experience the creamy texture and vibrant spicy flavor of this White Chicken Chili, perfect for a satisfying meal.
🍲 This recipe offers a balanced combination of protein and fiber, making it both hearty and nutritious for any occasion.

Ingredients

– 1 diced onion Provides a sweet base that builds flavor when sautéed

– 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to add healthy fats and prevent sticking

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Adds a pungent aroma and depth to the chili’s taste

– 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Forms the liquid base, keeping the chili hearty and flavorful

– 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild) Brings a mild heat and tang, enhancing the spicy element

– 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin Infuses earthy notes that define the chili’s signature spice blend

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika Contributes a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the mix

– 1/2 teaspoon oregano Adds herbal undertones for a well-rounded flavor profile

– 1/2 teaspoon coriander Offers a citrusy warmth that complements the other spices

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Provides an adjustable kick for that spicy flavor

– Salt and pepper to taste Balances and seasons the entire dish perfectly

– 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes Creates creaminess without heavy cream, making the chili rich and smooth

– 1 1/4 cups frozen corn (canned corn can be used as an alternative) Adds sweetness and texture, boosting the vegetable content

– 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed Supply protein and body, with some pureed for extra creaminess

– 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers) Serves as the main protein, adding heartiness and flavor

– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors at the end for a fresh finish

– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro plus more for serving Infuses a burst of freshness and color as a garnish

– Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado Enhance the meal with crunch and extra taste

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by dicing 1 onion and mincing 2 cloves of garlic. This mise en place helps everything run smoothly. Gather all other ingredients like the cans of chicken broth and beans, so you’re ready to go without interruptions.

2-Second Step: Sauté the Base Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its aroma, building a flavorful foundation for your white chicken chili.

3-Third Step: Add Broth and Spices Stir in 2 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken broth, 1 (7 oz) can of diced green chilies, and the spices: 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare the Beans Drain and rinse 2 (15 oz) cans of cannellini beans. Set most aside, but transfer 1 cup of beans and 1/4 cup of broth to a food processor. Puree until nearly smooth this step creates that creamy texture without extra ingredients, and it’s easy to adapt if you don’t have a processor.

5-Fifth Step: Incorporate Creamy Elements Add 1 (8 oz) package of Neufchatel cheese cut into cubes, 1 1/4 cups frozen corn, the whole beans, and the pureed beans to the pot. Stir well and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes longer, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the chili. This is a great point to check for dietary needs, like using a vegan cheese alternative.

6-Final Step: Finish and Serve Stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro. Let it heat through for a few minutes, then serve with optional toppings like tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced avocado. This white chicken chili serves about 6, and it’s ready in just 50 minutes total. For more chicken ideas, explore our pasta recipes with chicken.

Notes

🍗 Use cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken for enhanced flavor and moisture.
🫘 Puree some beans with broth to create a creamy texture without added dairy or flour.
🍋 Add fresh lime juice and cilantro at the end to brighten and enhance the flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Soup, Chili
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 383
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 525mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 77mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, spicy chili, chicken chili