White Chicken Chili

A comforting, hearty chili made with tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, sweet corn, and a touch of spice, all simmered in a luscious, flavorful broth. This White Chicken Chili is the perfect easy weeknight meal that brings warmth to the table in just 50 minutes.

Save to Pinterest

This American classic is a crowd-pleaser that balances mild heat from green chiles and jalapeño with the richness of cream cheese and heavy cream. It is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a staple for any home cook's rotation.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil
• Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 (4 oz/115 g) can diced green chiles
• Beans & Broth: 2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed; 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• Dairy: 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and jalapeño; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chicken breasts, white beans, corn, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6

Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 7

Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream; simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, topped with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra richness and a unique texture, consider adding a can of drained white hominy. To ensure the creamiest result, make sure your cream cheese is softened and cubed before stirring it into the simmering broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the amount of jalapeño or cayenne pepper. For a quicker preparation on busy nights, you can substitute the raw chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken; simply add it to the pot after the main simmering step.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this White Chicken Chili hot in deep bowls. It pairs exceptionally well with cornbread or a side of crunchy tortilla chips to complement the creamy texture of the broth.

Save to Pinterest

With 31g of protein per serving and a blend of savory spices, this White Chicken Chili is a nutritious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a quicker preparation. Simply skip the initial cooking step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken after simmering the beans and vegetables, then proceed with adding the cream cheese and cream.

→ What type of white beans work best for this dish?

Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are ideal choices. Both varieties hold their shape well during simmering and provide a creamy texture that complements the broth beautifully.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

For milder chili, omit the jalapeño and cayenne pepper. For more heat, keep the jalapeño seeds, increase the cayenne, or add diced serrano peppers. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for individual preferences.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

→ What are the best toppings for white chicken chili?

Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and lime wedges all complement this dish beautifully. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread for added texture.

→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, sauté the onions, jalapeño, and garlic first, then transfer everything except the cream cheese and heavy cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in the dairy and cook for 15 more minutes.