White Chicken Chili Recipe

Introduction

White Chicken Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for those who love comforting, rich flavors on their dining table. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and delicious spices to create a warming bowl that’s irresistible for weeknights or gatherings. Whether you’re new to chili-making or a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and destined to become a favorite in your household.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken

You’ll need about 1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe.

Onion

A diced small onion adds a flavorful base.

Green chilies

Use one can of diced green chilies for the perfect kick of spice.

Garlic

Minced garlic, approximately 3 cloves, enhances the aroma.

Chicken broth

Four cups of chicken broth create a rich and delicious base for the chili.

White beans

Two cans of white beans, rinsed and drained, bring creaminess and texture.

Spices

A combination of cumin, oregano, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper provides a robust flavor.

Cream cheese

Four ounces of cream cheese give the chili its signature creamy consistency.

Fresh toppings

Garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and diced avocado for a beautiful and tasty finish.

Prep Time

Preparing this delicious chili takes about 10 minutes of easy work, perfect for busy cooks.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is approximately 25 minutes, bringing the total cooking time to just 35 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it great for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day.

White Chicken Chili is a perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort food. With its rich texture, mild spices, and creamy finish, it is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any day of the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, add your raw chicken breasts along with enough water to cover them. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer. Allow the chicken to cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands and keep it ready for the chili.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and diced green chilies. Sauté the mixture for around 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 3: Build the Base

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, oregano, paprika, and ground coriander. Stir well to coat the sautéed vegetables evenly with the spices. Let the spices release their aroma for about 30 seconds to a minute.

Step 4: Add Broth and Beans

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Add the drained and rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Blend a Portion of the Chili

Using an immersion blender, lightly blend a small portion of the chili directly in the pot to thicken it. Be careful not to over-blend; you still want plenty of whole beans and texture in the chili. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer about 1 cup of the chili to a regular blender, blend, and then return the blended portion to the pot.

Step 6: Add the Chicken and Season

Add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine it with the rest of the ingredients. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Creamy Elements

Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cream cheese has completely melted and the chili has a creamy texture. Ensure the heat is low to prevent the dairy from curdling.

Step 8: Simmer and Serve

Allow the chili to simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Serve the chili hot, garnished with desired toppings such as chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Note 1: For a Thicker Chili

If you prefer your chili thicker, blend more of the mixture in Step 5 or let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.

Note 2: Adjust Spice Level

To make the chili spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during Step 3 along with the other spices.

Note 3: Alternative Protein Options

You can replace chicken with turkey or a vegetarian option like tofu or additional beans to suit your preferences.

Note 4: Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Note 5: Freezing the Chili

This white chicken chili freezes well. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cook Techniques

Saute the Aromatics

Start by sautéing onions and garlic to create a flavorful base for your chili. This enhances the depth of the dish.

Use Cooked Chicken

Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works best for this recipe, offering convenience and tenderness without overcooking.

Simmer the Chili

Allow the chili to simmer for sufficient time to meld all the flavors together, ensuring a rich and delicious taste.

Add Cream Cheese Gradually

Soften the cream cheese and add it gradually while stirring to ensure a creamy and smooth texture without lumps.

Season to Taste

Constant taste testing and adjusting seasonings like salt, pepper, or seasoning blends enhance the flavor to personal preference.

FAQ

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the chili.

What can I use as a thickening agent?

The cream cheese serves as a thickener, but you can also use a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level.

Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add cream cheese towards the end.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, provided all the ingredients like broth or seasonings used are verified as gluten-free.

Can I freeze White Chicken Chili?

Yes, this chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What toppings pair well with this dish?

Recommended toppings include shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

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Conclusion

White chicken chili offers a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Its creamy and hearty texture, combined with the warmth of spices and tender chicken, makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Once you try this dish, you’ll find it to be a wholesome and satisfying meal the entire family can enjoy. It’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection, especially for chilly nights or when you’re seeking a satisfying yet easy-to-make dish. Make this recipe your own by adjusting the ingredients according to your preferences and enjoy the burst of flavors it delivers.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Beef Chili

Dive into the hearty and rich flavors of a traditional beef chili with perfectly seasoned ground beef and a bold tomato base.

Vegetarian Three-Bean Chili

For a meat-free option, try a vegetarian three-bean chili packed with flavors from kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans.

Turkey Chili

Enjoy a lighter option with lean ground turkey as the base for a delicious and nourishing chili.

Loaded Nachos with Chili

Incorporate your chili into a fun snack by layering it over crispy tortilla chips, cheese, and your choice of toppings.

Chili Stuffed Peppers

Use bell peppers as an edible bowl and fill them with your favorite chili recipe, then bake until tender and flavorful.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Try a unique combination of sweet and smoky by blending sweet potatoes with black beans in a comforting chili.

Chili Mac and Cheese

Combine the best of two comfort dishes by adding your chili to a creamy and cheesy pasta base.

Chili Cheese Fries

Top crispy fries with a generous scoop of chili and melted cheese for an indulgent treat.

Slow Cooker Chili Recipes

Save time and enhance flavor by preparing any chili variation in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.

White Bean and Sausage Stew

For a variation, replace chicken with sausage and combine it with white beans for a hearty and satisfying stew.
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