Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Comfort meets culinary magic in this tantalizing white chicken chili recipe that promises warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of chicken swim through a creamy, spice-laden broth that tells a story of comfort and satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how quickly this chili comes together, making it a weeknight dinner superhero.

Fragrant herbs and bold spices dance through the pot, creating an aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and hearty elements that transform a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Packed with protein and bursting with southwestern-inspired notes, this chili will become your new go-to recipe for delicious, soul-warming meals.

Prepare to fall in love with a chili that breaks all the traditional rules.

Chili Storage For Later Meals

• Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chili into a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and reaching desired consistency.

FAQs

• What type of chili is this recipe?

This is a white chicken chili, which means it uses white meat chicken and has a creamy, lighter-colored broth instead of the traditional red tomato-based chili.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from green chiles, but you can adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot green chiles based on your preference.

• Can I use different beans?

Yes, you can substitute the beans. Cannellini, navy beans, or great northern beans work well in this white chicken chili recipe.

• How do I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, and opt for lean chicken breast to create a lighter version of the chili.

White Chicken Chili: Cozy Bowl Of Flavor

• Whip up this delicious white chicken chili in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with aromatic spices, tender chicken, creamy beans, and a zesty lime kick, this chili delivers a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Top your chili with a variety of fresh garnishes like cheese, scallions, cilantro, avocado, and crispy tortilla chips, making it a versatile dish that appeals to everyone's taste preferences.
• Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this chili offers a balanced, wholesome meal that comes together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Ingredients For Creamy White Chili

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the chili.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that provides rich smoothness and helps thicken the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth and enhances overall taste of the dish.

• Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the chili's consistent texture.
• White Beans: Hearty legume that adds protein and creates a creamy consistency.

• Chiles: Provides a subtle heat and complex pepper flavor to the chili.
• Lime Juice: Bright acidic element that balances and lifts the entire dish.
• Seasonings: Spice blend that adds warmth and depth to the chili.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, Scallions, Cilantro, Avocado, Crushed Tortilla Chips: Fresh garnishes that add texture, color, and additional layers of flavor to the finished chili.

Chili Tools For Simmering Perfection

• Heavy-bottomed pot: Perfect for even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping chicken, onions, and garnishes.
• Sharp knife: Useful for precise ingredient preparation.
• Ladle: Helps serve the chili smoothly into bowls.
• Cheese grater (optional): Helpful for grating Monterey Jack cheese if needed.

Steps To Comforting White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Kick Off The Flavor Base

Heat oil in a sturdy pot over medium-high flame.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Quickly add minced garlic and let it sizzle until aromatic.

Sprinkle in all seasonings and stir continuously to release their incredible taste.

Step 2: Build The Liquid Foundation

Pour broth and roasted green chiles into the pot.

Let the mixture come to a gentle bubble.

Reduce heat and allow everything to simmer uncovered, letting flavors mingle and develop for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Transform Into A Hearty Meal

• Chopped chicken
• White beans
• Cream cheese
• Fresh lime juice

Simmer for a few additional minutes, ensuring chicken is heated through and cream cheese melts completely.

Step 4: Create A Stunning Presentation

Ladle the steaming chili into deep bowls.

• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced scallions
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Crunchy tortilla chip pieces

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of textures and flavors.

Chili Tips For Creamy, Hearty Bowls

• Toast spices in oil before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic profile and deepen the chili's overall taste.
• Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Adjust thickness by adding extra broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating your desired texture.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for flexible dietary needs.
• Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk to maintain creamy consistency while accommodating lactose-intolerant preferences.

White Chili Variations For Spice

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using white beans or chickpeas for protein.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk yogurt, using nutritional yeast for added richness.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap lime juice for fresh orange juice, include roasted poblano peppers for deeper heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of beans, replace tortilla chips with pork rinds or almond flour crackers for crunch.

Serving Up White Chili With Style

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty white chicken chili as a comforting family dinner centerpiece with warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping.
• Fiesta Topping Bar: Create a fun topping station with extra shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, and crispy tortilla chips so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, keeping toppings separate to maintain crunch and freshness.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in large slow cooker for sports gatherings, offering extra toppings in small bowls so guests can build their perfect chili bowl with minimal fuss.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty white chicken chili delivers comfort with tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chiles. Spices and toppings elevate this Mexican-inspired dish, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked rotisserie chicken
• 15 ounces cannellini beans
• 2 ounces light cream cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-ounce can diced green chiles
• 1 diced scallion, for serving
• 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced, for serving
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro, for serving

Spices, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, for serving
• Crushed tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high temperature. Sauté onions until translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until aromatic, about 20 seconds. Incorporate seasonings and stir for 1 minute to release their flavors.
2. Pour chicken broth and green chiles into the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
3. Introduce chopped chicken, white beans, and cream cheese into the simmering liquid. Splash in fresh lime juice and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until chicken is heated through and cream cheese completely dissolves.
4. Transfer chili into serving bowls. Garnish each portion with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, thinly sliced scallions, fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and crunchy crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and flavor.
• Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy texture of the chili.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting the type and amount of green chiles, from mild Anaheim to spicy jalapeños.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking and make this a quick weeknight meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg