This White Chicken Chili recipe is a fantastic option for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or needing a quick weeknight meal. Rich and creamy, it’s packed with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn, all seasoned to perfection. Plus, this recipe is make-ahead friendly and freezer-safe, making it ideal for pantry cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and spices creates a rich, comforting flavor that warms you up.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious chili in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect by itself or served with your favorite toppings like avocado, chips, or cheese.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook a big batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals on busy days.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is nutritious and filling.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools before you start. These tools will help you prepare your White Chicken Chili efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or soup pot
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering the chicken and combining all ingredients evenly.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures that your chicken reaches the safe cooking temperature of 165°F.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for shredding chicken without mess.
Ingredients
This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans, corn, and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer-friendly—perfect for pantry cooking.
For the Chili
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed) (19oz or 591ml)
- 1 can sweet corn (drained) (12oz or 341ml)
- 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
- 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (125g)
Optional Thickeners
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish
- Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese or jalapenos)
How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Chicken
To start making your White Chicken Chili:
1. In a Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken breasts and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
After the chicken is cooked:
1. Remove it from the pot onto a cutting board.
2. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.
Step 3: Add Beans and Veggies
Now it’s time to enhance your chili:
1. Add in the drained white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
2. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Melt in Cream Cheese
To add creaminess:
1. Cut the cream cheese into cubes.
2. Stir these cubes into your chili mixture.
3. Cover again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally until melted.
Step 5: Thicken Your Chili (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker consistency:
1. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch with water until smooth.
2. Stir this mixture into your simmering chili.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Finally:
1. Ladle your White Chicken Chili into bowls.
2. Top with extra hot sauce if desired along with chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese or jalapenos—whatever you love!
Enjoy this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe at your next gathering or cozy night in!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe
Serving your White Chicken Chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and making it a delightful meal. Here are some creative suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that complements the spiciness.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds a creamy texture and balances the heat of the chili.
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top, adding richness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up each bite with zesty freshness.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the chili’s savory elements.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for dipping and add a fun texture contrast.
- Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice for a heartier meal option.
- Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the chili.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe
Perfecting your White Chicken Chili involves paying attention to details that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a hit!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality broth will significantly boost the flavor profile.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more chili powder or hot sauce according to your preference.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing it to simmer longer helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Thicken Wisely: If you prefer a thicker chili, don’t hesitate to use cornstarch mixed with water for added body.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your chili during cooking to adjust seasoning as needed.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe
Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy chili.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad offers a sweet crunch that pairs well with spicy chili.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity from coleslaw balance out the creaminess of the chili nicely.
- Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an excellent side option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and color to your meal.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Gooey quesadillas are perfect for dipping into your chili for added cheesy goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your White Chicken Chili recipe. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the simmer: Not allowing the chicken to simmer can result in undercooked meat. Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches 165°F.
- Overlooking seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to bland chili. Be sure to adjust spices and salt according to your preference.
- Not shredding properly: Leaving large chunks of chicken can affect the texture. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a creamy consistency.
- Neglecting cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese directly can cause clumps. Make sure it’s at room temperature before adding it to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Rushing the thickening process: Skipping the cornstarch step may leave you with a soupier chili. If you prefer a thicker consistency, don’t skip this optional step.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally, until warmed through; this usually takes about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this White Chicken Chili recipe?
Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly into the pot with the broth. Just be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include avocado slices, lime wedges, shredded cheese, jalapenos, or crispy tortilla chips. Customize based on your preferences!
How can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe spicier?
To add more spice, increase the amount of green hot sauce or chili powder. You can also include diced jalapenos or other spicy peppers.
Is this White Chicken Chili recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cornstarch and check that your broth is gluten-free. Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture and blend of flavors make it an ideal dish for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients! Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
This White Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of creamy textures and robust flavors, perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to quick weeknight meals. Featuring tender shredded chicken, savory white beans, and sweet corn, this chili is seasoned with just the right amount of spices for a comforting bowl of goodness. With its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature, you can easily whip up a big batch to enjoy later. Elevate your dining experience by serving it with toppings like avocado slices, crispy tortilla chips, or zesty lime wedges. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for your table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can white kidney beans (19oz)
- 1 can sweet corn (12oz)
- 1 can green chiles (4oz)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or soup pot, simmer chicken breasts in chicken broth over medium-high heat until cooked through (165°F).
- Remove chicken and shred it using two forks; return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add drained beans, corn, chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt; stir well.
- Cube the cream cheese and stir it into the chili until melted.
- For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water and add to the pot; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve in bowls topped with your favorite garnishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Make it spicier by adding more hot sauce or fresh jalapenos. Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months.