Description
White Chicken Chili is a hearty and comforting twist on classic chili, featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and zesty spices. This flavorful and protein-packed dish is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, and customizable to your preferred spice level or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Beans
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Liquids and Creamy Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Optional Garnishes and Sides
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Crunchy tortilla strips
- Warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or green salad (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a little oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and jalapeño if using. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add spices and chicken: Stir in ground cumin, oregano, and diced green chilies. Add the chicken breasts or thighs whole to the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer.
- Simmer and shred: Cover and let the chicken cook through, about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add beans and creamy ingredients: Mix in the white beans along with cream cheese or sour cream. Stir gently until the creaminess melts into the chili, creating a luscious texture.
- Final simmer and seasoning: Simmer for another 10 minutes to meld all flavors together. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken like rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese for a silky, signature texture.
- Simmer the chili low and slow to deepen and blend flavors.
- Adjust spice carefully; add jalapeños or cayenne sparingly to balance heat.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, chicken chili, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free chili, one pot meal, protein packed chili
