White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. With its creamy broth and hearty ingredients, this dish delivers a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. Easy to prepare on the stove top or in a Crock Pot, you’ll find this chili to be a versatile addition to your meal repertoire, suitable for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and velvety broth that elevates the entire dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese for added flavor.
• Batch Cooking Friendly: With 12 servings, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with chicken and beans, this chili is filling enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot (4 1/2-quart)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and easy stirring of all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: This tool helps prevent scratching your pot while mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your chili.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe is easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot! The broth has the BEST creamy white broth with cream cheese, green chilies, corn, shredded chicken, and simple seasonings.

For the Seasoning Mix

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

For the Base

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons flour

For the Broth

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)
• Salt/Pepper

For Additional Ingredients

• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can sub frozen corn)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

Toppings

Lime wedges, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, Fritos, Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Add flour to the pot and toss to coat vegetables. Cook for about 2 minutes until raw flour smell dissipates.

Step 4: Add Broth Gradually

Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously. Follow with half and half in small amounts to combine smoothly.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth

Optionally reserve one heaping cup of drained beans. Blend with ½ cup broth using a food processor or immersion blender before adding back into soup along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Stir in seasonings from earlier along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer gently for about 15 minutes uncovered.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them along with corn into the pot. Let simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from the pot once done. Shred using two forks before returning shredded meat back into chili.

Step 9: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Lower heat to low setting; stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted into chili mixture.

Step 10: Final Adjustments

Taste test your chili one last time! Adjust seasonings as needed before serving warm alongside cornbread or your favorite sides!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili is a delightful experience that allows for creativity and personalization. This creamy dish pairs well with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor profile.

Toppings

• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your chili for a zesty kick.
• Diced Avocado: Add creaminess and healthy fats with fresh avocado pieces.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add richness and balance the spices.
• Tortilla Strips: Crispy tortilla strips offer a satisfying crunch on top of the chili.
• Fritos: For a fun twist, sprinkle some Fritos for added texture and sweetness.
• Cheese: Top with Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Rice: A side of fluffy rice can help stretch the meal further while adding heartiness.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices for a more vibrant taste. Consider adjusting spice levels according to your preference.
• Cream Cheese Tips: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to ensure it melts smoothly into the chili.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté vegetables until they are tender and aromatic before adding liquids to build layers of flavor.
• Shred Chicken Properly: Shred your chicken while it’s warm for easier handling and more even distribution in the chili.
• Thickening Option: For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the beans as described in the recipe. This adds both body and creaminess to the broth.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Complementing your White Chicken Chili with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cornbread: A classic pairing that absorbs flavors beautifully; serve it warm with butter.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice adds substance; consider cooking it with herbs for extra flavor.
3. Salad: A light green salad can provide freshness; dress it simply with olive oil and vinegar.
4. Guacamole & Chips: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a crunchy side.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients; season them lightly to complement the chili.
6. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas are perfect for dipping; serve them alongside for added fun.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can offer a hearty option; season them with paprika or garlic powder.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate, balancing out the richness of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

White Chicken Chili can be a delightful dish, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid while preparing this creamy, flavorful chili.

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Always choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender texture. Bone-in cuts can lead to a tougher chili.
• Skipping the seasoning layer: Failing to properly sauté the onions, garlic, and spices before adding liquid can result in bland chili. Always cook these aromatics first for maximum flavor.
• Not adjusting thickness: If your chili is too thin, blend some beans with broth for a thicker consistency. This helps achieve that creamy texture everyone loves.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long makes it tough. Monitor cooking times and shred the chicken just when it’s cooked through.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like lime wedges and avocado enhance flavors and presentation. Don’t skip them for an inviting finish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili.

How do I make my White Chicken Chili spicier?

You can add extra cayenne pepper or fresh diced jalapeños to increase heat. Adjust this according to your taste preference.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure they are fully cooked before shredding them into the chili.

What can I serve with White Chicken Chili?

This dish pairs well with cornbread, tortilla strips, or rice for a hearty meal that satisfies.

Is White Chicken Chili healthy?

Absolutely! It is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, making it a nutritious option.

Can I make White Chicken Chili in the Crock Pot?

Yes! Simply follow the same ingredients and instructions but cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Final Thoughts

White Chicken Chili is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding more vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. This creamy dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Give it a try today!