Homemade Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms The Soul

Nestled within comfort food memories, this creamy white chicken chili brings warmth to your kitchen.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with smooth, velvety broth that promises satisfaction in every spoonful.

Subtle spices whisper hints of southwestern charm without overwhelming delicate palates.

Beans add robust substance while creating a rich, wholesome backdrop for this soul-satisfying dish.

Creamy elements weave through the chili, creating unexpected depth and complexity that will surprise you.

One spoonful transports you to a cozy evening filled with delicious comfort.

What Makes Creamy White Chicken Chili So Comforting

• Quick and Simple Prep: Whip up this delightful chili with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with creamy texture and bold spices, this chicken chili delivers a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily with optional toppings and can feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and a robust blend of spices, this chili offers a delicious balance of wholesome ingredients that taste amazing together.

Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: A tender protein that adds substance and heartiness to the chili.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational depth of flavor and aromatic base for the chili.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the essential liquid foundation for the chili.
• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Contribute to the creamy and rich texture of the dish.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy element to balance the creamy flavors.

• Beans: Offer additional protein and a soft, creamy texture to the chili.
• Green Chiles: Provide a mild, slightly spicy flavor and additional complexity.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder: Create a balanced and robust seasoning profile that enhances the overall taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.

How to Cook Creamy White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sizzle Onion Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and let them soften and become translucent, creating a delicious aromatic foundation for the chili.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Essence

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and cook briefly until its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Build Hearty Protein Layer

• Lime juice
• Chicken broth
• Beans
• Green chiles
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 4: Create Silky Texture

Drop cubed cream cheese into the pot and stir until completely melted and blended smoothly into the chili.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Richness

Pour in heavy cream and fresh cilantro.

Stir until the chili becomes luxuriously creamy and heated throughout.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Dive into this comforting, creamy white chicken chili that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Pro Tips for Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful meat in your chili.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder to match your heat preference, from mild to extra spicy.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, lump-free integration into the chili.
• Toast cumin and chili powder briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance their rich, aromatic qualities.
• For a thicker chili, mash some beans against the pot's side or add extra cream cheese to create a more luxurious consistency.

Variations on Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and seasoned, for a vegetarian version packed with plant-based protein.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap cream cheese with cashew cream for a lactose-free option that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Green Chili Edition: Increase cayenne and add fresh jalapeños for extra heat, and use roasted green chiles for deeper smoky flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute beans with cauliflower florets and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the chili hearty and satisfying.

Serving Ideas for Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Party Plate Presentation: Ladle the creamy white chicken chili into large, rustic bowls with a generous drizzle of extra cream and fresh cilantro sprinkled on top.
• Topping Treasure Trove: Offer a variety of crispy additions like crushed tortilla chips, shredded monterey jack cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream to customize each serving.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside warm, buttered cornbread or crispy garlic toast to soak up the rich, creamy chili and add delightful texture contrast.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Complement the chili with a zesty lime-dressed cabbage slaw or a cool, crisp green salad to balance the dish's creamy and spicy flavors.

How to Store Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for maximum flavor and quality.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour chili into saucepan, add splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely. Add extra cream or broth if sauce becomes too thick.

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. For mild version, use just a pinch or omit completely.

• Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! White beans like cannellini or great northern work best, but you can substitute with kidney or pinto beans if needed.

• What protein alternatives work for this recipe?

Swap chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or for vegetarian option, use plant-based chicken substitute or extra beans.

• How do I prevent cream cheese from becoming lumpy?

Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir slowly into hot chili, ensuring it melts evenly without clumping.

Silky White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili delivers comfort and warmth with its rich, creamy broth and tender chicken nestled among perfectly seasoned beans. Spicy jalapeños and zesty lime create a perfect balance, promising delicious satisfaction in every spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 2 pounds cooked chicken, cubed (or 2 lbs cooked shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 32 fluid ounces (946 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth

Beans and Vegetables:

• 4 cans (15.5 ounces or 439 grams each) great northern white beans, fully drained and rinsed
• 3 cans (4 ounces or 113 grams each) diced green chiles, drained
• 2 onions, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dairy and Cream:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) low-fat cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream

Optional Toppings:

• Tortilla chips or strips
• Jalapenos
• Cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Avocado

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and softened.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate chicken pieces into the mixture, then pour in lime juice, chicken broth, white beans, green chiles, and a blend of robust seasonings including salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and chili powder.
4. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 25 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Carefully fold cream cheese into the simmering liquid, stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated, creating a luxurious base.
6. Pour in heavy cream and freshly chopped cilantro, gently stirring to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency and even heat distribution.
7. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings to enhance texture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap chicken for turkey or tofu to create versatile protein alternatives that match different dietary preferences.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing rich, creamy texture.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper and chili powder quantities to suit individual heat tolerance.
• Prepare extra batches and freeze in airtight containers for convenient meal prep, keeping portions separated for easy reheating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 329 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 506 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg