Creamy White Chicken Chili (2024)

This flavorful White Chicken Chili recipeis an easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, white beans, green chilies and corn are simmered in a rich and super creamy broth. This hearty white bean chicken chili is pure comfort food!

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The best white chicken chili recipe

This easy chili recipe is packed with all the good and delicious things! Lean chicken, white beans, corn and mild green chiles. The perfect combination of Tex-Mex chili seasoning add so much flavor, and the addition of rich cream cheese gives this white chicken chili its extra creamy texture.

We never shy away from the opportunity to pile up some toppings. Some of our favorite toppings are shredded cheddar cheese, avocado, fresh jalapeño, fresh cilantro, sour cream and tortilla chips.

This creamy white chicken chili recipe has been a family favorite for very long time. Made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store, and ready in less than an hour, this soul-warming and nutritious white chili recipe is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

Chicken chili recipe ingredients

• Chicken:Boneless and skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs can be used. if you have any shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from a previous meal, that can also be used.
• Oil: Olive oil or any other mild oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used.
• Green chilies:I usecanned green chiles. I prefer mild chilies but you can control the spice level by choosing medium or hot green chiles.
• Onion: Yellow onion, white or brown onions can be used.
• Garlic:I use fresh garlic. In a pinch, use garlic paste.
• Chicken stock:Homemade or store-bought chicken stock or broth are a must. Use low-sodium if preferred. Veggie broth can be used in a pinch.
• Canned beans: I use white beans but the truth is that you can use any type of bean you have at home with great results. Since this is a white chicken – white bean soup, white beans like great northern beans, cannellini beans and navy beans are preferred.
• Corn:Frozen corn, canned corn or fresh corn when available, can be used.
• Cream cheese:This is not a low-carb, super healthy soup. It’s a rich and decadent soup full of flavor! Full-fat cream cheese from a block is a must.
• Half and half:Between regular milk and heavy cream, there’s half and half. Not too rich but rich enough to add creaminess and taste to this easy white chicken chili.
• Spices and seasonings:Ground cumin, paprika, chili pepper, dried oregano, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne pepper (optional).

• Avocado
• Shredded cheese such as Monterrey Jack or cheddar
• Cilantro
• Green onions
• Jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips

How to make white chicken chili step by step

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
• If you want a super creamy chili, mash or process some of the beans in a small food processor or blender. You will need a couple of tablespoons of liquid (broth or water) for the machine to run smoothly. You can also place the beans in a small bowl and use an immersion blender.
• Heat up the oil in a pot or Dutch oven. Cook the onions until they become soft. Stir in the chicken and cook for a few minutes. The chicken will be almost fully cooked at this point.
• Stir in the garlic, green chiles and then the spices.
• Stir in the chicken broth, the beans and the corn and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer.
• Whisk in the cream cheese and the Half and Half and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the lime juice, green onions and season to taste.

What is white chili made of?

White chili is made with white beans, chicken and green chiles in a flavorful chicken broth seasoned with spices like ground cumin and chili powder. Some recipes call for cream cheese or sometimes sour cream to make the chili rich and creamy.

What will thicken white chicken chili?

This white chicken chili recipe uses a small portion of the bean as the thickener. I fin this to be one of the best and healthiest ways to thicken chili.

Here is how is done: Measure out about 1/2 cup of the white beans (it doesn’t have to be exact) and mash them with a fork or potato masher. You can also place the beans in a small food processor with a couple spoonfuls of broth or water and process until the beans are smooth. This isn’t a science project, just some mashed beans! Don’t stress over it.

Another great option is to thicken chili with masa harina. Masa, the same ingredient used to make corn tortillas and tamales, has a distinct taste that adds a lot of Tex Mex type flavor to any chili. Make a slurry by combining about 2 tablespoons of masa harina with some water. Stir into the chili and then simmer for a few minutes or until the chili thickens.

Is this white chicken chili spicy?

No, this white chili is mild as I use mild green chillies. If you like spicy foods, you can use medium or hot green chilies instead. Using chopped fresh jalapeño or serrano chiles as part of the toppings will also add heat to the chili.

Can I make white chicken chili in a crock pot?

Yes! To make crockpot creamy white chicken chili, sauté the onions, chicken and garlic in a skillet. Place this mixture in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the cream cheese, half and half and green onions into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer 10 minutes.

Can I make white chili in the Instant pot?

Yes, you can cook white chicken chili at high pressure on an electric pressure cooker. Leave the chicken breast whole. Sauté the onions and garlic, then place all the ingredients – except the cream cheese and half and half into the instant pot. Seal and cook on high for 12 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Open the pot, remove the chicken and shred it. Stir in the cream cheese and half and half. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Press sauté and allow the soup to simmer for a couple of minutes.

Storing, freezing and reheating

Storing

Leftover chicken chili can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Does white bean chili freezes well?

Yes! Chili freezes well. Cool the chicken chili completely and store it in an airtight container or store small portions in a resealable freezer safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.

How to reheat white chili?

Reheat white chicken chili in the microwave or on the stove top until warm through. If the chili gets a bit too thick, add a bit of chicken broth to thin it up.

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