Lunch & Dinner

Best White Chicken Chili Recipe – Recipes From Chef

Name: Best White Chicken Chili Recipe – Recipes From Chef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 cans low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh sweet corn kernels; 2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 pkg reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into small cubes; 1 can diced green chilies; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp ground turmeric; 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; Tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced avocado for serving

Rosa Crumley March 10, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the nuances of making the best white chicken chili, let’s talk about what can amplify your culinary experience. Imagine this scene: a sunny afternoon, friends gathered around a table, laughter in the air, and bowls brimming with chili.

Now, what complements that feast?

Consider adding some crispy tortilla chips. Their crunchiness is a delightful contrast to the creamy chili. Then there’s the fresh avocado, sliced to perfection, offering a cool touch that balances the spices.

A dollop of sour cream can introduce a satisfying tang, while fresh cilantro as a garnish brightens both the dish and your plate.

Don’t forget the lime wedges! Their zesty juice adds a pop of flavor that ties everything together. Being in the moment, enjoying good food, and sharing this white chicken chili with loved ones is truly special.

What is the Best White Chicken Chili?

This is not your run-of-the-mill chili. Best white chicken chili combines tender chicken with hearty beans and a creamy broth. It’s not laden with heavy tomato sauce. Instead, it features delicate flavors that balance beautifully.

Ingredients like cumin and oregano create a comforting backdrop, while the green chilies add that kick.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the heat, switch up the cheese, or incorporate seasonal vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply warming up on a chilly night, this chili speaks to the soul.

How Does It Taste?

Picture this: a spoonful filled with creamy goodness meets your mouth. The chicken is moist and flavorful, while the beans provide earthiness. The spices layer on complexity, with a hint of smokiness from the paprika.

Each bite reveals the freshness of lime and the fragrant notes of cilantro. It’s comforting yet invigorating, familiar yet exciting.

Why You’ll Love This?

You’ll appreciate the balance of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that showcases the simple joys of cooking without being overly complex. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means easier cleanup (hooray!). Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the best white chicken chili:

2 cans low-sodium chicken broth
2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh sweet corn kernels
2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 pkg reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into small cubes
1 can diced green chilies
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced avocado for serving

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial; the sweetness of browned onions adds depth to the chili.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, add your spices: cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, ground coriander, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let those spices bloom. You’ll notice a lovely fragrance wafting through your kitchen.

Step 3: Incorporate the Broth and Beans

Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the rinsed cannellini beans and sweet corn. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. This is where the chili starts to come together.

Step 4: Introduce the Chicken and Cream Cheese

Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and stir gently. The chicken will absorb the flavors as it cooks. Then, drop in the cream cheese cubes. Let them melt into the mixture, turning the broth creamy and luscious.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Add Lime

After everything has simmered for about 20 minutes, taste your chili. Season with salt, black pepper, turmeric, and lime juice. Adjust these as per your preference. You want a comforting warmth, balanced with a crisp tang.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the chili into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, sliced avocado, and sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese. Enjoy it hot, letting each bite warm your spirit. This dish is the essence of cozy, hearty meals.

Tips for Making the Best White Chicken Chili

Use Quality Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can use homemade or leftover chicken. Ensure it’s well-seasoned for the best flavor!
Control the Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. You can even omit it for a barbecue night!
Texture Variants: If you desire a smoother consistency, consider blending part of the chili before serving.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley can bring out new flavor profiles. Don’t hesitate to get creative here!
Make it Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Storing the Best White Chicken Chili

Let the chili cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to four days. If you want to freeze it, portion the chili into freezer-safe bags. It can stay good for up to three months.

Possible Substitutes for White Chicken Chili

If you’re short on ingredients, consider these options:

Canned Beans: If you don’t have cannellini beans, try using black beans or pinto beans. Both add a different character without losing the essence of the dish.
Fresh Chicken: Super fresh chicken can be a fantastic substitute. Simply boil and shred it. This way, you’ll get tender meat too.
Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth with a vegetable broth. This will still pack flavor and retain the creaminess.
Greek Yogurt: Instead of cream cheese for a lighter version, use plain Greek yogurt to keep the texture while adding a protein boost.
Jalapeños: If you prefer more heat, diced jalapeños can replace or compliment the green chilies for an extra kick.

Conclusion

As the steam rises from that comforting bowl of white chicken chili, you realize this isn’t just a meal. It’s a combined effort of care, flavor, and creativity. It’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating memories.

So, whether it’s a game day, a chilly evening, or just a regular Tuesday, let this recipe fill your home with warmth. Give it a try, invite a friend over, and see how simple ingredients can ignite joy. This dish is worth the effort — savor every spoonful!

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Print Recipe

Best White Chicken Chili Recipe – Recipes From Chef

Author: Rosa Crumley Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 383 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Beneath the bounty of flavors lies a deep connection to comfort. White chicken chili evokes warmth and nostalgia. With its creamy texture and subtly spicy undertones, it’s not just another bowl of soup.

In my quest for the ultimate chili recipe, I came across countless variations, but this one stood out. It’s simple, nutritious, and downright delicious. If you’ve ever faced a cold evening, this dish is your best companion.