When the craving for something cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor strikes, nothing hits the spot quite like this White Chicken Chili Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional chili, boasting tender chicken, hearty white beans, and a subtle blend of spices that deliver warmth without overwhelming heat. From the first comforting spoonful, you’ll appreciate how this dish balances creamy richness with a bit of zest, making it a perfect meal any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this White Chicken Chili Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or brightening the dish’s appearance.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and garlic to release deep, savory aromas.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and foundation of flavor when softened.
- Garlic cloves: Bring a fragrant punch that complements the spices perfectly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein centerpiece that soaks up all the savory goodness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, light base without overpowering saltiness.
- White beans and great northern beans: Creamy and hearty, these beans give the chili a thick, comforting texture.
- Diced green chiles: Introduce mild, smoky heat that elevates the dish gently.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy warmth that’s signature to chili dishes.
- Dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note to balance the spices.
- Chili powder: A mild kick that layers nicely with cumin and cilantro.
- Ground coriander: Adds a unique lemony undertone boosting the freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: Key for seasoning and sharpening all the flavors.
- Frozen or canned corn: Adds a sweet burst and delightful texture contrast.
- Sour cream and heavy cream: Create that luscious, creamy mouthfeel that turns this chili into pure comfort food.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright garnish that uplifts the entire dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step releases the sweetness locked inside the onion, which forms a flavorful base. Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting its fragrant aroma fill the kitchen in just 30 seconds. Then add the diced chicken, cooking it until it’s lightly browned but still juicy, taking around 5 to 6 minutes. This careful sauté ensures succulent chicken and a rich overall depth.
Step 2: Build the Chili Base
Once the chicken and aromatics are ready, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, followed by the white beans, great northern beans, and the diced green chiles. Sprinkle the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper over the pot. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This symphony of ingredients melds beautifully as it simmers, infusing the chili with complex flavors in just 15 minutes.
Step 3: Creamify and Final Simmer
After the chili base has melded, it’s time to add the sweet corn along with sour cream and heavy cream. Stir well until the soup becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to marry perfectly. This final step gives the chili its signature creamy consistency and luxurious texture that makes this White Chicken Chili Recipe truly special.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of White Chicken Chili, fresh cilantro is a simple but fabulous choice—it adds a peppery lift and vibrant green that brightens each spoonful. For a dash of texture and color, consider sprinkling crispy tortilla strips or a handful of shredded cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also add a zesty contrast, making every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This chili shines wonderfully with classic pairings like warm cornbread or crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the creamy stew. A crisp green salad balances the richness of the chili, while rice or quinoa can offer a more substantial accompaniment if you want to make the meal even heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve the chili in rustic bowls topped generously with garnishes for everyone to customize. Hosting friends? Try serving it in mini bread bowls for a charming, edible presentation. Another fun idea is layering the chili with toppings in a glass bowl for a colorful chili parfait—super fun and surprisingly elegant!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Chicken Chili is a blessing for busy days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen in the fridge, making leftovers even more delightful.
Freezing
If you want to preserve it longer, this chili freezes beautifully. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for quick, comforting dinners.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cream blend back in smoothly. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Avoid high heat which can cause the dairy to separate.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time. Just shred the cooked chicken and stir it in near the end of cooking to warm through. It keeps things quick without sacrificing flavor.
Is this White Chicken Chili Recipe spicy?
This recipe delivers a gentle warmth from the green chiles and chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. For those who love more heat, adding cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can easily boost the kick to your liking.
Can I make a lighter version of this chili?
You sure can! Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat dairy or skip the heavy cream altogether. The flavors remain delicious with less fat but still creamy and satisfying.
What beans are best for this chili?
Using a combination of white beans and great northern beans works wonderfully because they stay tender yet intact during cooking. They offer a creamy texture that complements the chicken and spices perfectly.
How thick should the chili be?
It should be creamy and stew-like—not too thin but easy enough to scoop up with a spoon. The addition of sour cream and heavy cream helps achieve that luscious thickness without making it heavy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet unique dish to warm your soul, I can’t recommend this White Chicken Chili Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, packed with flavors, and endlessly versatile for any occasion or season. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and dive into this creamy delight—you’re going to love every bite.
Print
White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy White Chicken Chili combines tender diced chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection. Enriched with sour cream and heavy cream for a smooth texture, it’s a comforting and flavorful main course that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
Broth and Beans
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté onions: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides.
- Add broth, beans, and spices: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the white beans, great northern beans, and diced green chiles. Then add ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer chili: Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
- Incorporate corn and creamy ingredients: Stir in the drained corn, sour cream, and heavy cream, mixing until the chili becomes smooth and creamy. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes for the chili to thicken slightly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving. Serve the chili warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess.
