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White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili

This easy and hearty White Chicken Chili recipe combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of spices for a comforting, flavorful bowl perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a satisfying, simple dinner. It’s a creamy, mildly spicy one-pot meal that’s nutritious, quick to prepare, and easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Beans and Vegetables

  • 2 cups white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

Garnishes and Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant, building a rich flavor base for the chili.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on the outside but still juicy inside to ensure tender and flavorful bites.
  3. Add Spices and Chilies: Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, and diced green chilies. Cook briefly to release the spices’ essential oils and deepen the aroma.
  4. Simmer with Beans and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the rinsed white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook until the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
  5. Finish with Creamy Goodness: Stir in the cream cheese or sour cream until fully melted and incorporated, giving the chili its characteristic creamy texture and slight tang.
  6. Add Freshness: Stir in chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the chili sit off the heat for 10 minutes to thicken and deepen in flavor, then serve with your preferred garnishes and sides.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor by simmering and shredding it.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken to add depth to the dish.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually by tasting during cooking to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
  • Fresh lime juice added at the end brightens and balances the chili.
  • Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; add broth or water if chili thickens too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Chicken Chili, White Bean Chili, Easy Chili Recipe, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Gluten Free Chili