What ingredients do I need to make White Chicken Chili?

To make White Chicken Chili, you’ll need cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover), white beans like cannellini or great northern, chicken broth, mild green chilies, fresh garlic and onion, corn (frozen or canned), and spices including cumin, oregano, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. For creaminess, cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese is commonly added. Fresh lime juice and cilantro are used to brighten the flavor, and toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips add texture.

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

Pureeing a portion of the white beans with some broth creates a naturally creamy base without extra dairy or thickening agents. This blending technique thickens the chili while keeping it light and smooth. To do this, reserve about one cup of beans, blend them with a small amount of broth until smooth, then stir back into the chili during the simmering step.

Can White Chicken Chili be prepared in a slow cooker?

Yes, White Chicken Chili can be made in a crockpot. Start by adding raw chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped onions, garlic, spices, and green chilies to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender. Remove chicken to shred, then add softened cream cheese, pureed beans, whole beans, and corn. Stir everything together and heat through before adding lime juice and cilantro.

What are the best toppings for White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings for White Chicken Chili include sliced avocado, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and crunchy tortilla chips. These toppings add flavor, texture, and freshness, complementing the creamy base. Lime wedges on the side can also be squeezed on top for extra brightness.

When is the best time to serve White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is perfect for chilly fall and winter evenings because it’s hearty and warming. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for football game days, Halloween parties, or casual family dinners. Since it cooks quickly and can be made ahead, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.

White Chicken Chili Recipe With Creamy Texture And Bold Flavors

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 diced onion Adds a sweet, savory base that builds the foundation of flavor in the chili.; 1 tablespoon olive oil Provides a healthy fat for sautéing, helping to release aromas from the onion and garlic.; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Infuses a pungent, aromatic depth that enhances the overall taste without overpowering.; 2 (14.5 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans Supplies creaminess and fiber, making the chili hearty and satisfying for a classic white chicken chili feel.; 1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies Brings a gentle heat and tang, allowing you to control the spice level while adding moisture.; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin Delivers an earthy warmth that defines the bold flavors of this white chicken chili.; 1/2 teaspoon paprika Contributes a subtle smokiness and color, boosting the dish’s visual appeal and taste.; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Adds herbal notes that complement the spices and make the chili more aromatic.; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Provides a citrusy undertone that balances the heat in this white chicken chili recipe.; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Offers a kick of heat, adjustable to taste for those who enjoy a spicier white chicken chili.; Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the dish perfectly, ensuring all flavors shine through.; 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese, cut into small cubes Creates a creamy texture without heavy cream, keeping the recipe light and dairy-inclusive.; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth Forms the liquid base, helping to simmer and blend the ingredients for a cohesive white chicken chili.; 2 (15 oz) cans frozen corn (or canned corn as an alternative) Adds sweetness and crunch, enhancing the vegetable aspect of the dish.; 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken Brings protein and tender texture, making this white chicken chili filling and flavorful.; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors with acidity, giving the chili a fresh finish.; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving) Adds a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the overall taste.; Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, shredded cheese, sliced avocado Provide customizable crunch and extra flavor for personalization.

Description

🌶️ This White Chicken Chili offers a creamy texture with bold, robust flavors making it a satisfying and comforting meal.
🍗 Made with tender chicken, beans, and fresh lime, it’s a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 diced onion Adds a sweet, savory base that builds the foundation of flavor in the chili.

1 tablespoon olive oil Provides a healthy fat for sautéing, helping to release aromas from the onion and garlic.

2 cloves garlic, finely minced Infuses a pungent, aromatic depth that enhances the overall taste without overpowering.

2 (14.5 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans Supplies creaminess and fiber, making the chili hearty and satisfying for a classic white chicken chili feel.

1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies Brings a gentle heat and tang, allowing you to control the spice level while adding moisture.

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin Delivers an earthy warmth that defines the bold flavors of this white chicken chili.

1/2 teaspoon paprika Contributes a subtle smokiness and color, boosting the dish’s visual appeal and taste.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Adds herbal notes that complement the spices and make the chili more aromatic.

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander Provides a citrusy undertone that balances the heat in this white chicken chili recipe.

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Offers a kick of heat, adjustable to taste for those who enjoy a spicier white chicken chili.

Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the dish perfectly, ensuring all flavors shine through.

1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese, cut into small cubes Creates a creamy texture without heavy cream, keeping the recipe light and dairy-inclusive.

1 1/4 cups chicken broth Forms the liquid base, helping to simmer and blend the ingredients for a cohesive white chicken chili.

2 (15 oz) cans frozen corn (or canned corn as an alternative) Adds sweetness and crunch, enhancing the vegetable aspect of the dish.

2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken Brings protein and tender texture, making this white chicken chili filling and flavorful.

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors with acidity, giving the chili a fresh finish.

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving) Adds a burst of herbal freshness that elevates the overall taste.

Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, shredded cheese, sliced avocado Provide customizable crunch and extra flavor for personalization.

Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare and Sauté the Base Begin by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Then, add 2 cloves garlic, finely minced, and sauté for 30 seconds longer to release their aroma. This step builds a strong flavor base for your white chicken chili, and for a similar technique in another dish, try our taco casserole recipe for inspiration.

2-Second Step: Add Broth and Spices Next, pour in 1 1/4 cups chicken broth, 1 (7 oz) can diced mild green chilies, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. For dietary adaptations, use vegetable broth here if making a vegan version of white chicken chili to keep it light and flavorful.

3-Third Step: Prepare the Beans Now, drain and rinse 2 (14.5 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans. Measure out 1 cup of the beans and set the rest aside. Place the 1 cup of beans in a food processor with 1/4 cup of broth from the soup and puree until nearly smooth. This technique creates creaminess without extra ingredients, perfect for a low-calorie white chicken chili option. Adjust the puree consistency if needed for gluten-free preferences.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporate Creamy Elements Add 1 (8 oz) package light cream cheese cut into small cubes, 2 (15 oz) cans frozen corn, the reserved whole beans, and the pureed beans to the pot. Stir everything well and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. This step ensures the white chicken chili reaches its signature creamy texture, and you can swap corn for other veggies if following a low-calorie plan.

5-Final Step: Finish and Serve Stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, then serve topped with shredded cheese, more cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips or strips as desired. For more on bean nutrition, explore cannellini bean nutrition facts to see how they enhance this white chicken chili.

Notes

🍗 Use cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken to keep meat tender and flavorful.
🌱 Puree some beans with broth to add creaminess without extra dairy.
🔥 Sautéing onion and garlic enhances the flavor base of the chili.

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

Nutrition

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

Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Creamy Chili, Bold Flavors, Comfort Food