This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful dish that combines creamy textures with the hearty goodness of chicken, white beans, and corn. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, offering a rich flavor profile that appeals to everyone. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes this chili ultra-thick and satisfying.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with chips, avocado, or your favorite toppings for a customized experience.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for an easy meal later!
- Flavorful Spice: A touch of green hot sauce and chili powder brings just the right amount of heat.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious White Chicken Chili, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or soup pot
- Cutting board
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch)
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for simmering and developing flavors in your chili.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding chicken and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
Ingredients
This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19oz or 591ml)
– 1 can sweet corn, drained (12oz or 341ml)
– 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
– 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (125g)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
– 1 tablespoon water (optional)
– Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese or jalapenos, for serving)
How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe
Step 1: Simmer the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to a Dutch oven or soup pot. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the broth.
Step 3: Add Other Ingredients
Add the drained white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, green hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Stir these cubes into the pot until they are fully melted and combined with the chili mixture. Cover the pot again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Thicken If Desired
If you prefer a thicker chili, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to your chili while it’s simmering to thicken it further.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your delicious White Chicken Chili hot! Top with additional hot sauce if desired. Enjoy with chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, jalapenos—whatever your heart desires!
How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe
Serving your White Chicken Chili can enhance the dining experience. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and sides that complement its creamy texture and savory flavor.
Toppings
- Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes for an extra kick of heat that balances the creaminess.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced, avocado adds a rich, buttery flavor and creaminess.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the dish with a zesty freshness.
- Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast to the smooth chili.
- Salsa: A scoop of fresh salsa introduces vibrant flavors and textures.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added richness and flavor.
- Jalapenos: For those who love spice, sliced jalapenos provide an exciting heat element.
How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe
Creating the perfect White Chicken Chili is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Shred chicken finely: This allows the meat to absorb more broth and distribute evenly throughout the chili.
- Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go! You can always add more chili powder or hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Let it simmer longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer enhances the depth of flavors, making it even more delicious.
- Experiment with toppings: Try different combinations of toppings to find your favorite blend of flavors and textures.
Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe
Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a delightful meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this creamy dish well.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread provides a comforting side that pairs perfectly with chili.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and fresh veggies offers a refreshing contrast.
- Rice: Simple white or brown rice can soak up any extra broth from the chili, making each bite satisfying.
- Grilled Vegetables: Char-grilled seasonal veggies add a smoky flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served with chips provides an additional layer of flavor and texture.
- Crispy Tortilla Strips: These are perfect for adding crunch while complementing the soft texture of the chili.
- Nachos: Layered tortilla chips topped with cheese make for a fun side that everyone will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the White Chicken Chili recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind:
- Skipping the Shredding: Not shredding the chicken properly can lead to uneven texture. Make sure to shred it well for a creamy consistency.
- Ignoring Spice Levels: Underestimating the heat from green chiles or hot sauce can dull the flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
- Forgetting to Stir: Neglecting to stir while simmering can result in uneven melting of cream cheese. Stir occasionally for a smooth chili.
- Using Regular Broth: Using high-sodium broth can overpower the dish. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better control over flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the White Chicken Chili recipe:
Can I use frozen chicken in this White Chicken Chili recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the recipe. Just increase the simmer time until they reach the correct temperature.
What toppings work best with this White Chicken Chili recipe?
Popular toppings include avocado, lime wedges, jalapenos, and shredded cheese. Customize based on your preferences!
How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?
The spice level varies based on how much green hot sauce and green chiles you add. Adjust these ingredients to suit your taste.
Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld together.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only creamy and comforting but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or prepping meals ahead of time, its rich flavors will delight everyone at your table. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or spices!
White Chicken Chili
Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this White Chicken Chili recipe is the perfect dish for cozy dinners or meal prep. Made with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and sweet corn, it delivers a rich and satisfying experience everyone will love. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delightful chili that’s not only freezer-friendly but also customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or crispy tortilla chips. The subtle heat from green chiles and chili powder makes each bite exciting without overpowering the creamy texture provided by cream cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish promises to warm the soul.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can white kidney beans (19oz)
- 1 can sweet corn (12oz)
- 1 can green chiles (4oz)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional)
- Chips, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos (for serving)
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, simmer chicken breasts in chicken broth over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken and shred it using forks before returning it to the pot.
- Stir in drained beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Add cubed cream cheese and stir until melted; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water and add to the pot while simmering.
- Serve hot with preferred toppings like chips or avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Fresh ingredients enhance flavor; use them whenever possible. Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder and hot sauce according to taste. Letting the chili simmer longer can intensify flavors.