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Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, creamy textures from cream cheese or sour cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. Ideal for cozy meals year-round, it combines white beans, mild green chiles, and a savory chicken broth base to deliver a balanced, flavorful bowl that warms and satisfies.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • Chicken breast or thighs, diced or shredded (about 1.5 pounds)

Beans and Vegetables

  • 1 can (about 15 oz) cannellini or white beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream

Spices and Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Oil for sautéing (olive or vegetable)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a large pot with a bit of oil over medium heat until they are soft and fragrant, building the flavorful base of the chili.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced or shredded chicken pieces to the pot, season lightly with salt, ground cumin, and oregano, then cook until the chicken is nearly done and tender.
  3. Add Beans and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed cannellini or white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let the mixture cook so the flavors meld and the beans soften.
  4. Incorporate Creaminess: Lower the heat and gradually mix in the cream cheese or sour cream, stirring until fully melted and incorporated to create the chili’s signature creamy texture.
  5. Simmer and Season: Let the chili gently simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and extra spices as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Simmering enhances the depth and meld of flavors.
  • Add cream cheese gradually to prevent curdling and maintain smooth texture.
  • Customize spice level by adding jalapeños, cayenne, or other hot peppers to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, white bean chili, easy chicken recipes, healthy chili, gluten free chili