White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is your go-to comfort dish, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. With its creamy white broth, tender shredded chicken, and a delightful combination of spices, this chili is sure to impress. Whether you choose to make it on the stove or in a slow cooker, it’s easy to whip up and guarantees a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety texture that enhances the overall flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your chili by adding your favorite toppings like diced avocado or tortilla strips.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this dish is both hearty and nutritious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this chili tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your White Chicken Chili, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing spoon: Helps combine ingredients thoroughly without damaging delicate items like beans.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe is easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot! The broth has the BEST creamy white broth with cream cheese, green chilies, corn, shredded chicken, and simple seasonings.

Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
– 1 pinch red pepper flakes
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 yellow onion (diced)
– 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
– 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
– 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast
– Salt/Pepper to taste
– 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
– 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
– Toppings: Lime wedges, Diced Avocado, Sour cream, Tortilla Strips, Fritos, Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Seasonings

Combine all seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Flour

Sprinkle flour over sautéed vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw smell of flour is gone.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously. Follow with half-and-half in the same manner to ensure a smooth mixture.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

If desired for thickening purposes, reserve one heaping cup of drained beans. Blend with half a cup of broth using a food processor or immersion blender until smooth. Return blended mixture along with remaining beans to the pot.

Step 6: Bring to Boil

Add seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil; let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes before reducing heat to simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them along with corn into the pot; simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent beans from settling.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through, remove chicken from pot and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the chili.

Step 9: Add Cream Cheese

Lower heat further; stir in softened cream cheese continuously until fully melted into the chili mixture.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed before serving it warm alongside cornbread!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili is an opportunity to get creative! This hearty dish pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some great serving suggestions.

Toppings

• Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili to add a zesty kick.
• Diced Avocado – Add creamy avocado for a rich texture that balances the spice.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the heat.
• Tortilla Strips – Crunchy tortilla strips add texture and a delightful crunch.
• Shredded Cheese – Top with Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese for an extra cheesy experience.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet and savory pairing.
• Fritos – These corn chips offer a satisfying crunch when added to each bowl.
• Rice – A side of fluffy rice can help soak up the delicious broth.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting White Chicken Chili takes just a few simple adjustments. Follow these tips to enhance your dish further.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh veggies and herbs for brighter flavors in your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Experiment with different amounts of jalapeno or cayenne pepper to find your ideal heat level.
• Make it Creamy – For an even creamier texture, blend in more cream cheese or add some heavy cream before serving.
• Let it Simmer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps deepen the flavors; just be careful not to overcook the chicken.
• Taste as You Go – Regularly taste and adjust seasonings during cooking for a perfectly seasoned dish.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing White Chicken Chili with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet, smoky corn adds a refreshing element that complements the chili’s spices.
2. Mexican Rice – Flavored with cilantro and lime, this rice offers a fragrant base that pairs well with chili.
3. Side Salad – A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers balances out the richness of the chili.
4. Nachos – Tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapenos, and avocado make for a fun, shareable side dish.
5. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas filled with vegetables provide additional satisfaction alongside your chili.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and cuts through the creaminess of the chili beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold seasoning choices: Not adjusting the seasonings can lead to bland chili. Always taste as you cook and modify the spices according to your preference.
• Bold cooking temperature: Cooking on too high a heat can make chicken tough. Simmer gently to keep it tender and juicy.
• Bold bean preparation: Using whole beans without blending can result in a thinner broth. Consider blending some of the beans for a creamier texture.
• Bold ingredient substitutions: Ignoring the recipe’s suggestions for substitutions may alter flavors. Stick to recommended alternatives for the best results.
• Bold neglecting garnishes: Skipping toppings like avocado or cheese can leave your dish less exciting. Add garnishes for flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili.

How do I make White Chicken Chili spicier?

You can add more jalapeños or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level. Adjust gradually to suit your taste.

Can I use other proteins in White Chicken Chili?

Yes! Feel free to substitute turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with White Chicken Chili?

This dish pairs well with cornbread, tortilla strips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a day in advance allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili is not only creamy and comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!