Creamy White Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that combines warmth and flavor, making it perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe highlights the deliciousness of leftover chicken, allowing you to whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Whether cooked on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an instant pot, this white chicken chili offers versatility and comfort for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Make this white chicken chili on the stovetop, slow cooker, or instant pot—whatever suits your schedule!
- Flavorful and Satisfying: Bursting with spices and creamy textures, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans and lean chicken, this chili is both nutritious and filling.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make meal prep even easier.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your White Chicken Chili, gather some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- large pot (5-6 quart)
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- food processor (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly without spilling. It holds all the ingredients comfortably.
- Food processor: Helps achieve that creamy texture by pureeing some of the beans, enhancing the overall consistency of your chili.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion (chopped, about ½ cup)
– 2 garlic cloves (finely minced or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
– 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– juice from 1/2 small lime
– salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
– 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
– 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
– 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
– 2 heaping cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie or leftover chicken)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– shredded cheese for garnish
– tortilla chips for serving
– green onions for garnish
– avocado slices for garnish
How to Make White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add low-sodium chicken broth, diced green chilies, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse great northern beans in a strainer. Measure out a big ladleful of beans and add them to a food processor with a splash of broth from the soup. Puree until smooth if desired; this will help create a creamy texture.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
Add both pureed beans and whole beans along with corn to the soup pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream along with the shredded cooked chicken until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Serve
Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of White Chicken Chili!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
Serving White Chicken Chili is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your taste. Whether you prefer it simple or loaded with toppings, there are numerous ways to enhance this creamy dish.
Top It Off with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the chili perfectly.
- Avocado slices – Creamy avocado brings richness and balances the spice of the chilies.
- Shredded cheese – A sprinkle of cheese melts into the chili for added creaminess and flavor.
- Green onions – Chopped green onions give a nice crunch and mild onion flavor.
Pair It with Crunchy Sides
- Tortilla chips – Serve them on the side for dipping or crumbling on top for extra texture.
- Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the chili.
- Crackers – Simple saltines or seasoned crackers can add a crunchy contrast to each spoonful.
Add Some Heat
- Hot sauce – A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the spice level.
- Sliced jalapeños – Fresh or pickled jalapeños provide an extra kick for those who love heat.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili
Perfecting your White Chicken Chili can turn an already delicious recipe into something extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure your chili stands out.
- Use quality chicken broth – A rich, flavorful broth enhances the overall taste of your chili.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust cumin, cayenne, and paprika levels according to your heat preference.
- Blend beans for creaminess – Pureeing some beans gives a thick, creamy texture that makes the chili more satisfying.
- Incorporate fresh lime juice – A splash of lime juice at the end brightens up flavors and adds freshness.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this creamy dish.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great base for chili.
- Side Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your meal.
- Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas are perfect for dipping into the chili or enjoying on their own.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances out the creaminess of the chili.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn pairs well with spicy flavors, making it an ideal side choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that could affect the final dish’s flavor and texture. Avoid these mistakes to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it may become dry. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to keep it tender.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
- Skipping the Pureeing Step: Not blending some of the beans can result in a less creamy texture. For a rich consistency, blend part of the beans before adding them back into the pot.
- Using Regular Chicken Broth: Regular broth can be too salty. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in your White Chicken Chili.
- Not Letting It Simmer: Rushing through the simmering time can prevent flavors from developing. Allow it to simmer uncovered for at least 15 minutes for optimal flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing White Chicken Chili
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat on the stove until warm, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili, along with their answers.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken; however, make sure it’s thoroughly cooked before adding it to your chili.
What are some good toppings for White Chicken Chili?
Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
To make your White Chicken Chili healthier, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce cheese amounts or choose low-fat options.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! While great northern beans are traditional, you can also use cannellini or navy beans if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep; it stores well and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Chicken Chili is a delightful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken and creamy beans in a flavorful broth. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, allowing you to create a satisfying meal in under an hour. With its blend of spices and healthy ingredients, including lean chicken and nutritious beans, this chili is both delicious and filling. Whether you prefer cooking on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, this versatile dish will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Top it off with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese for a gourmet experience at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker/Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped, about ½ cup)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- juice from 1/2 small lime
- salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 2 heaping cups cooked chicken (shredded; rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- shredded cheese for garnish
- tortilla chips for serving
- green onions for garnish
- avocado slices for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and sauté chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
- Stir in chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Rinse great northern beans; puree a portion with some broth until smooth for creaminess.
- Combine both pureed and whole beans along with corn into the pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and shredded chicken until fully mixed.
- Serve warm with preferred toppings like cilantro, cheese, avocado slices, or tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
