Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Soul-Warming Joy

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of white chicken chili that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Cold evenings call for this soul-soothing meal packed with tender chicken and creamy flavors.

Beans, green chiles, and aromatic spices dance together in a rich, inviting broth.

Home cooks adore how quickly this chili comes together with minimal preparation.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and zesty southwestern notes.

The recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional chili that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Grab a ladle and savor every comforting, delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

How To Store Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe The Easy Way

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer leftover chili to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated chili stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Label containers with date for easy tracking.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated chili in the microwave or gently warm on stovetop. Add splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Make double batch and divide into individual portions. Pack lunch-sized containers for grab-and-go meals during busy workweek. Top with fresh cilantro or extra cheese when serving for renewed flavor excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and creates a rich, golden foundation for the dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, sharp taste that enhances the chili's complexity.

• Cumin: Delivers a warm, earthy undertone typical in Mexican-inspired dishes.
• Chili Powder: Brings a mild heat and robust southwestern character to the chili.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky essence that adds depth and complexity.
• Oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, Mediterranean herb note.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all the other flavors in the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle, sharp kick to round out the seasoning profile.

Equipment Checklist For Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing onions and building the chili base.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Can Opener: Required for opening canned ingredients like beans or chicken broth.
• Ladle: Useful for serving the chili in bowls.

Easy Steps For Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Fire Up the Pot

Splash some olive oil into a spacious cooking vessel and set it dancing over medium heat, creating a warm stage for flavor magic.

• Sauté the Aromatics

Tumble chopped onions into the sizzling oil, letting them soften and become translucent while releasing their sweet, mellow essence.

• Awaken the Spices

Sprinkle in minced garlic and a symphony of spices – cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir this fragrant blend until the kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma.

• Welcome the Chicken

Gently introduce shredded or cubed chicken into the spice-laden pot, allowing it to mingle and absorb the rich, zesty seasonings.

• Pour in Liquid Gold

Stream chicken broth and creamy white beans into the mixture, creating a luxurious base that will transform into a velvety, comforting chili.

• Simmer and Develop Flavor

Let the chili bubble softly, allowing ingredients to dance and meld together, intensifying the depth and richness of every spoonful.

• Final Flourish

Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream to create a luscious, silky texture that makes this chili irresistibly smooth and indulgent.

• Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips for extra excitement.

Flavor Tips For Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Chili Thickness Tip: For a thicker chili, mash some white beans against the pot's side or add a cornstarch slurry to create a richer, more substantial texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make the recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive diets while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded turkey, diced tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for versatile meal options that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding diced jalapeños, green chiles, or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra kick, or remove all spicy elements for a milder version.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to restore perfect consistency.

Ways To Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Warm

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this chili in deep ceramic bowls to capture its rich, creamy texture and keep it warm while enjoying every delicious spoonful.
• Toppings Fiesta: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream to add vibrant colors and extra layers of flavor and crunch.
• Perfect Pairing Plate: Accompany the chili with warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or a light green salad to balance the creamy, hearty dish and create a complete meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose any remaining chili by using it as a filling for quesadillas, stuffed peppers, or as a topping for nachos, ensuring no delicious bite goes to waste.

Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired creamy white chicken chili delivers comfort through rich, hearty flavors with tender shredded chicken and smooth, spicy broth. Generous portions and simple ingredients make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cans (400 g/14 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 can (300 g/10 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• fresh cilantro, chopped
• sliced jalapenos
• diced avocado
• crushed tortilla chips
• lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame, adding diced onions and cooking until softened and translucent.
2. Aromatics Activation: Introduce minced garlic and spices, stirring to release their intense flavors and create a robust foundational layer.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the aromatic mixture, creating a flavorful liquid base for the chili.
4. Protein and Bean Incorporation: Gently fold shredded chicken and white beans into the spice-infused liquid, ensuring even distribution and flavor absorption.
5. Creamy Transformation: Blend in cream cheese and green chiles, stirring continuously to develop a velvety, smooth texture that harmonizes all ingredients.
6. Final Simmering: Reduce heat and allow the chili to simmer, concentrating flavors and achieving a thick, creamy consistency.
7. Finishing Touch: Adjust seasonings to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile, and serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select tender, fresh chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and ease of shredding.
• Prevent Cream Cheese Clumping: Soften cream cheese at room temperature and cut into small cubes before adding to ensure smooth, even melting.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust green chile quantity based on personal heat preference – mild to medium chiles work best for balanced flavor.
• Optimize Thickness: Let chili simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken, creating a rich, creamy consistency without additional thickeners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg