White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn, it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy gathering, this chili will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes this chili ultra thick and smooth.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store it for those busy nights when you need a quick dinner solution.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your serving with chips, avocado, lime wedges, or any of your favorite toppings.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and green chiles gives this dish the perfect amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make cooking your White Chicken Chili easy and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl (for cornstarch mixture)

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for simmering chili evenly without burning.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding chicken efficiently.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accuracy in adding spices for balanced flavor.

Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19 oz or 591 ml)
– 1 can sweet corn, drained (12 oz or 341 ml)
– 1 can green chiles (4 oz or 113 ml)
– 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (125 g)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
– 1 tablespoon water (optional)
– Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos, for serving)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot to a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Beans and Corn

Add the drained white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, green hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Stir these cubes into the pot until they begin to melt. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to your simmering chili while stirring until combined.

Step 6: Serve Your Chili

Serve your White Chicken Chili hot with additional toppings like extra hot sauce, chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos based on your preference! Enjoy!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enhanced with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some suggestions to elevate your chili experience.

Toppings

• Avocado – Slice fresh avocado for a creamy texture that balances the spice.
• Lime Wedges – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili for a zesty kick.
• Salsa – Add your favorite salsa for extra flavor and freshness.
• Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a melty, indulgent touch.
• Jalapenos – For those who love heat, sliced jalapenos add a spicy crunch.

Chips

• Tortilla Chips – Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or as a side.
• Cornbread – Pair with sweet cornbread for a comforting, hearty meal.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To make your White Chicken Chili even better, consider these tips for perfecting the dish.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and quality broth enhance flavor significantly.
• Adjust spice level – Customize the heat by varying the amount of green hot sauce or chili powder.
• Shred chicken finely – For a creamier texture, shred chicken into smaller pieces before adding it back into the pot.
• Simmer longer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld flavors together beautifully.
• Experiment with toppings – Don’t hesitate to try different toppings based on personal preferences.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Cornbread – A classic pairing that complements the chili’s creaminess with its slight sweetness.
2. Garden Salad – A crisp salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the chili.
3. Rice – Serve with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious broth.
4. Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread adds a savory bite that pairs well with creamy soups.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled veggies add color and nutrients to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your White Chicken Chili recipe experience. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:

• Skipping the Shredding Step: Failing to shred the chicken can lead to large chunks in your chili. Always shred the chicken for a better texture.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting spices to your taste can make your chili bland. Taste and add more chili powder or hot sauce as needed.
• Overcooking Beans: Adding beans too early can cause them to become mushy. Add them after the chicken has been shredded for optimal texture.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can result in clumps. Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• Not Allowing Time to Simmer: Rushing the simmering process can prevent flavors from developing fully. Allow the chili to simmer adequately for a rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool before refrigerating.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! You can cook frozen chicken directly in the broth. Just increase cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include avocado, lime wedges, salsa, jalapenos, and shredded cheese.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?

The spice level is adjustable; you can add more hot sauce or chili powder according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with plant-based proteins like tofu or additional beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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White Chicken Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy White Chicken Chili recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this hearty dish features tender shredded chicken, white beans, and sweet corn, all enveloped in a rich, velvety broth. With a balance of spices and just the right amount of heat from green chiles, it’s a delightful blend of flavors that can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy nights or hosting a cozy get-together, this recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish!

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (19 oz)
• 1 can sweet corn (12 oz)
• 1 can green chiles (4 oz)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Spices: chili powder, onion powder, green hot sauce

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Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven or large pot, combine chicken and broth; simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
2. Shred the chicken using forks and return it to the pot.
3. Add white beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt; mix well.
4. Stir in cream cheese until melted and fully combined.
5. For thicker chili, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the pot while stirring.
6. Serve hot with desired toppings like avocado or lime wedges.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg