There’s something magical about the rich, creamy texture of white chicken chili that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. Imagine diving into a bowl filled with tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and beans that dance in harmony with every spoonful. Chicken and waffles pairing The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising an explosion of flavor with each bite—it’s comfort food for the soul.
This dish is perfect for cozy family gatherings or game nights when you want to impress your friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Picture yourself sitting around the table, laughter filling the air as you share stories over bowls of this delightful chili. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last spoonful!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This white chicken chili comes together easily and is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion
- Its creamy texture paired with zesty flavors makes it comforting yet exciting
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel inviting
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with tortillas or over rice!
I still remember the first time I made white chicken chili for my friends; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took that first bite!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work great; adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
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White Beans: Use great northern or cannellini beans for a creamy texture that complements the chili perfectly.
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Green Chilies: Fresh or canned green chilies add a kick—choose based on your heat preference.
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Onion: A medium onion enhances sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor impact.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic brings aromatic goodness; use at least 4 cloves for robust flavor.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps it flavorful without overwhelming saltiness; essential for that comforting base. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
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Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess; blend until smooth for a velvety finish. Unique cheese spread.
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices elevate the flavor profile; don’t skimp on these!
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Cilantro (optional): For garnish, fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and brightness to every bowl.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure everything is ready to go when you begin cooking.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they’re translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
Add Chicken & Spices: Place boneless chicken breasts into the pot along with cumin and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is slightly browned on all sides; this seals in those juicy flavors.
Pour in Broth & Beans : Add low-sodium chicken broth and drained white beans to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer while stirring occasionally—the aromas will have you dreaming already!
Blend in Cream Cheese : After about 20 minutes of simmering, reduce heat and stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted—this creates that luscious texture we crave.
Finish with Green Chilies : Gently fold in your green chilies; let them simmer for another 5 minutes to meld those fantastic flavors together beautifully.
Garnish & Serve : Ladle generous portions into bowls, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if desired, and serve hot! Enjoy it with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
Now that you’ve mastered this delicious white chicken chili recipe, get ready to impress everyone at your next gathering! Creamy poutine recipe.
You Must Know
- White chicken chili is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table
- Its creamy texture and zesty spices can easily become your go-to meal, especially on chilly evenings
- The delightful aroma while it simmers will have everyone wandering into the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken for a golden sear. After that, toss in your spices before mixing in beans, broth, and chilies to create a rich base.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional beans with black beans or add corn for sweetness. Experimenting with different toppings like avocado or cilantro can also elevate your white chicken chili experience. For more inspiration, check out this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store white chicken chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To really enhance your white chicken chili, consider using rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience
- Remember to balance your spices; too much can overpower the dish
- Adding a squeeze of lime before serving can brighten everything up beautifully!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friend’s chili cook-off where this dish stole the spotlight. It was a hit among family and friends, proving that comfort food truly brings people together.

FAQ
What makes white chicken chili different from traditional chili?
White chicken chili uses white beans and typically has a creamy base instead of tomato.
Can I make white chicken chili vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth for flavor. Healthy vegetable platter.
Is it possible to freeze white chicken chili?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions for easy meals later; just thaw and reheat when ready.
White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
White chicken chili is the perfect comfort food, featuring a creamy base and packed with tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and hearty white beans. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual game nights. With every spoonful, you’ll experience a warm embrace of flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups great northern or cannellini beans (drained)
- 1 cup green chilies (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add chicken breasts to the pot along with cumin and chili powder; cook until slightly browned on all sides.
- Add chicken broth and drained beans; bring to a simmer.
- After about 20 minutes of simmering, reduce heat and mix in cream cheese until melted.
- Stir in green chilies and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg





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