Quick & Zesty White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Whipping up a delightful white chicken chili recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty dish packed with robust flavors.

Tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices come together in a surprisingly simple meal.

Home cooks can master this delectable chili with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen as the ingredients simmer and blend perfectly.

Rich and satisfying, this chili promises to become a quick favorite for weeknight dinners.

Why Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili Is a Weeknight Winner

• Customize with Ease: Personalize this versatile recipe by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• Nutrition in a Bowl: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and a blend of spices, this chili offers a balanced and wholesome meal for the whole family.
• Speed and Simplicity: Prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes with straightforward ingredients and basic cooking techniques.

Ingredients for Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein that provides the main substance of the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste and moisture of the dish.

• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the chili.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides a robust flavor foundation.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that contribute a subtle heat and fresh taste.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and natural sweetness.
• Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that provide additional protein and hearty texture.

• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Coriander, Cayenne Pepper: Spice blend that creates a complex and warm flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste.
• Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy ingredient that adds a fresh and tangy finish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Herb that brings a vibrant, herbal note to the chili.

• Neufchatel Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds richness and smooth texture.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Optional topping for extra creaminess.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy accompaniment for added texture.
• Avocado: Optional creamy topping that provides a cool contrast.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for sautéing vegetables.

How to Cook Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Boost Flavor with Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pot and stir quickly, letting the fragrant garlic bloom for about a minute.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Coriander
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the spices to mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Creamy Transformation

Drop in Neufchatel cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 5: Build the Chili

• Corn
• Cannellini beans
• Shredded chicken

Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing all flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 6: Fresh Finishing Touches

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili and sprinkle chopped cilantro, stirring to distribute the bright, zesty flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chili into bowls.

Top with optional garnishes like tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, or sliced avocado.

Tips for Quick White Chicken Chili Success

• Customize the heat by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper for mild or spicier versions.
• Replace Neufchatel with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for different creamy textures and flavor profiles.
• Substitute shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse protein sources.
• Make a larger batch and freeze in portions for quick weeknight meals or lunch preparation.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and enhance overall flavor complexity.

Variations to Try on Quick White Chicken Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace Neufchatel cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Use fire-roasted green chilies and add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Champion: Substitute cannellini beans with cauliflower florets and increase chicken quantity for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the protein high.
• Vegetarian Venture: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meatless transformation.

Serving Suggestions for White Chicken Chili

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve alongside warm cornbread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a complete hearty meal.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform the chili into a filling for soft tortillas, topping with fresh salsa and sour cream for a Mexican-inspired feast.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Set up a chili bar with various toppings like crispy tortilla strips, diced green onions, jalapeños, and shredded cheese, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for a quick lunch or dinner during busy weekdays, as the flavors develop and taste even better the next day.

How to Store Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili

• Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with a lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat 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, and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely and reaching desired temperature.

FAQs

• Is white chicken chili spicy?

White chicken chili has a mild to moderate heat level. The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, but you can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne according to your preference.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans work great, you can substitute with great northern beans or white kidney beans for similar texture and flavor. The key is using white beans to maintain the chili’s signature look.

• What makes this chili different from traditional red chili?

This version uses white beans, chicken instead of beef, and has a creamy texture from Neufchatel cheese. It’s lighter and has a different flavor profile compared to classic red chili, with more herbs and a zesty lime finish.

Quick and Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this white chicken chili recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Rich Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2.5 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
• 2 (15 ounces) cans cannellini beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 (7 ounces) can diced green chilies
• 1.25 cups frozen or fresh corn

Spices, Liquids, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 (14.5 ounces) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (8 ounces) package Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1.5 teaspoons cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoons ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Serving Ingredients:

• Tortilla chips or strips
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced avocado

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to become fragrant for 30-45 seconds, stirring continuously.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then incorporate green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
4. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Integrate Neufchatel cheese, whisking thoroughly until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Fold in shredded chicken, cannellini beans, and corn, allowing the ingredients to meld together during a 12-minute gentle simmer.
7. Remove from heat and brighten the chili with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
8. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like crisp tortilla chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and creamy avocado slices.

Notes

• For a lighter version, swap Neufchatel cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Enhance protein by adding quinoa or extra beans for vegetarian or gluten-free dietary needs.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and using mild green chilies for sensitive palates.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg