If you’re craving a comforting bowl of something warm, rich, and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and just the right kick from green chilies and spices. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish to share, this chili blends simplicity with vibrant textures and tastes that keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but vital ingredients sets the stage for a delicious bowl of creamy goodness. Each item plays a key role in delivering that perfect harmony of creaminess, savory depth, and a little spicy zip.
- Olive oil: This is your flavorful cooking fat that helps soften the onions and creates a delicious base for the chili.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and texture, providing a hearty foundation for the dish.
- Chicken breasts (cut into small bite-size pieces): Tender protein packed with flavor that soaks up the spices beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Garlic gives that unmistakable savory punch and warmth coaxing out all the other flavors.
- Chicken broth: Liquids bring everything together, infusing the chili with deep, savory undertones and making it wonderfully soupy.
- White beans (drained): Creamy and hearty, these give the chili a lovely texture and added nutrients.
- Mild green chilies (with juices): They provide a gentle heat with a fresh, tangy flavor that keeps things interesting without overpowering.
- Chili powder: Elevates the spice profile and adds a warm earthiness.
- Ground cumin: Brings a subtle smoky and nutty depth that makes the chili taste authentically Mexican-inspired.
- Dried oregano: Offers a mellow herbaceous note that rounds out the flavor palette.
- Cream cheese (softened): The secret to this chili’s signature creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the tastes.
- Lime juice, avocado, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, tortilla strips, etc.: These optional toppings add freshness, crunch, and extra layers of flavor when serving.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onions and cook them gently until they’re translucent and slightly sweet, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it unlocks the onions’ natural sugars and creates a wonderfully aromatic base for the chili.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Let them cook until they’re no longer pink, stirring occasionally. This ensures the chicken remains tender and evenly cooked, setting the stage for a protein-packed chili that’s never dry or tough.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just 30 seconds until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Garlic cooks quickly and burns easily, so a brief sauté is all you need to release its flavor without bitterness.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth, drain and add the white beans and green chilies (with their juices). Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering melds all the flavors and softens the beans, making every bite deliciously rich and comforting.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and microwave them for about 30 seconds to soften. Stir the softened cubes into the chili, allowing it to melt and create that luscious creamy texture this recipe is famous for. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes so all the ingredients marry beautifully.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Before serving, season your chili with salt and pepper to taste. Adjusting the seasoning at the end ensures every spoonful bursts with balanced flavor, perfectly seasoned just for your palate.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings aren’t just decoration; they add personality and texture to your chili. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors, creamy avocado slices add indulgence, and a sprinkle of cilantro adds a fresh, herbal kick. Don’t forget crispy tortilla strips or a shower of Mexican cheese blend to add crunch and gooey richness.
Side Dishes
This chili holds its own beautifully but playing sidekick with some warm cornbread or a simple salad adds balance and heartiness. Cornbread’s sweet crumb creates a satisfying companion to the chili’s creamy and mildly spicy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little fun with presentation? Serve the chili in mini bread bowls for a rustic touch or ladle it over a bed of rice for a twist on a classic meal. For parties, turn it into a build-your-own chili station with various toppings so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen as it rests, making your leftovers arguably even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this chili on hand for longer, it freezes nicely. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and it will last up to 3 months. Keep in mind the cream cheese may slightly change texture when thawed but the flavor remains irresistible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the chili seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. This gentle reheating will restore that silky, creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just add it in after the broth and beans, letting it simmer briefly so it blends well without overcooking.
Is it possible to make this chili vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative. The white beans and spices still keep it rich and satisfying.
How spicy is this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?
This chili offers mild heat from the green chilies and chili powder, keeping it approachable for most palates. If you prefer more kick, simply add extra chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the onions and chicken first, then add all ingredients except the cream cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in softened cream cheese during the last 15 minutes to finish it off.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
Greek yogurt or sour cream are great alternatives that will maintain creaminess with a slight tang. Add them toward the end of cooking and heat gently to avoid curdling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully heartwarming about a bowl of this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Next time you want a meal that feels like a loving hug in a bowl, this chili will be your new best friend. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This creamy white chicken chili combines tender pieces of chicken, white beans, and mild green chilies in a flavorful broth enriched with cream cheese for a smooth, comforting texture. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal, this recipe is packed with spices and served with optional fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime juice to brighten every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14 ounce) cans white beans, drained
- 2 (4 ounce) cans mild green chilies with juices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block), softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Lime juice
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Mexican cheese blend
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Cook the chicken: Add the small bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
- Add garlic and cook briefly: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and seasonings, then simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, drained white beans, mild green chilies with juices, chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Incorporate the cream cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and microwave for 30 seconds to soften further if needed. Stir the cream cheese into the chili until melted and creamy. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Season and serve: Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chili hot, garnished with optional toppings such as lime juice, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, shredded Mexican cheese blend, and crispy tortilla strips.
Notes
- For extra spice, use medium or hot green chilies instead of mild.
- You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely.
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding the cream cheese.
- Make sure to cut chicken into small pieces for quicker and more even cooking.
- Use fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end to add brightness and a fresh contrast to the creamy chili.
