Quick & Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Days

The magic of this creamy white chicken chili bubbles with unexpected warmth and comfort, creating a soul-soothing meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Hearty beans mingle with tender chicken pieces in a rich, velvety broth that whispers comfort.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness without complicated steps.

Subtle spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that satisfies without overwhelming your palate.

Southwest-inspired ingredients come together in a harmonious blend that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks can craft this remarkable dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

You’ll want to grab a spoon and savor every single comforting spoonful right now.

Best Pairings For Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The wine's bright acidity and herbal notes cut through the chili's creamy richness, creating a refreshing balance that enhances the dish's complex spices.
• Serve with Warm Cornbread: Golden, slightly sweet cornbread provides a perfect textural contrast and absorbs the chili's creamy sauce, making each bite more satisfying and comforting.
• Complement with Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Crisp, salty tortilla chips add a delightful crunch to the creamy chili, offering a textural counterpoint and helping to scoop up every delicious spoonful.
• Garnish with Fresh Cilantro Salad: A light, zesty cilantro salad with lime juice brings a bright, fresh element that cuts through the chili's richness and adds a vibrant pop of color to the dish.

Try These Twists On Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Spicy Green Chicken Chili: Swap white beans for roasted green chiles and add jalapeños for extra heat. Include diced green bell peppers to enhance the vibrant color and flavor profile.
• Southwest Vegetarian Chili: Replace chicken with black beans and plant-based protein crumbles. Incorporate corn kernels and use vegetable broth for a hearty meatless version.
• Creamy Coconut Chicken Chili: Introduce coconut milk instead of cream for a tropical touch. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top and add a dash of ginger for an exotic flavor dimension.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chili: Mix in kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh oregano. Replace traditional chili spices with Mediterranean herbs like za'atar and sumac for a unique taste experience.

Helpful FAQs On Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• What makes this white chicken chili different from traditional red chili?

This version uses white beans and chicken instead of the classic red beans and beef, creating a lighter, creamier texture with a unique flavor profile that stands out from traditional chili recipes.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! You can easily increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot green chiles instead of mild ones, or sprinkling in some red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this white chicken chili is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend together.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this chili?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic chopping and stirring skills. Even novice home cooks can successfully prepare this delicious and comforting dish with minimal cooking experience.

Why Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Is A Comfort Classic

• Effortlessly Comfort Your Family: This creamy white chicken chili delivers warm, hearty goodness that wraps everyone in delicious comfort with minimal cooking skills required.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Prepared in under 30 minutes, this recipe saves precious time while providing a nutritious, satisfying meal that keeps hungry families happy and well-fed.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or shredded cheese, this chili lets home cooks personalize their dining experience without complicated techniques.
• Packed with Protein Punch: Loaded with tender chicken and white beans, this chili offers a nutritious one-pot meal that delivers substantial protein and keeps everyone feeling full and energized.

What Goes In Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that provides the primary protein for the chili, preferably fresh and boneless.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient alternative with pre-cooked, flavorful meat that saves preparation time.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor to the chili, white or yellow varieties work best.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity, fresh cloves recommended for maximum flavor.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Spice blend that creates a complex, warming flavor profile for the chili.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste and balance flavors.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid foundation and additional savory chicken flavor.
• White Beans: Creamy texture and protein source, canned or dried beans can be used.
• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth, creamy texture in the chili.

How To Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Fast

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and let it dance and soften for 3-4 minutes, creating a fragrant foundation for your chili.

Step 2: Awaken the Spices

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the spices for about 1 minute until they release their incredible aroma and create a mouth-watering base.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken

Add diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook until the chicken turns from pink to a beautiful golden white, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked through and sealed with the spicy flavors.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids

• Chicken broth
• White beans
• Green chiles

Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a harmonious blend.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and intertwine.

Step 6: Create Creamy Perfection

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream

Mix until the cream cheese melts completely, transforming the chili into a luxuriously smooth and creamy dish.

Step 7: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy white chicken chili!

Tips For Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe That Work

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly to unlock their intense, rich aromatics and elevate the chili's overall taste profile.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Prevent Onion Burning: Stir onions continuously and maintain medium-low heat to ensure even, golden-brown caramelization without scorching.
• Enhance Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, vegetarian chicken alternatives, or white beans for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Maximize Aromatic Potential: Use fresh whole spices and grind them immediately before cooking to release maximum flavor and create a more vibrant, complex chili.

How To Store Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Right

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the chili completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal the container tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency.
• Avoid freezing this chili, as dairy-based creamy soups can separate and lose their smooth texture when thawed.
• If you must freeze, consider adding fresh cream after reheating to restore the original creamy quality.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired White Chicken Chili delivers comfort and rich flavors in one delightful bowl. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and creamy broth combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (400 g/14 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or Great Northern beans)
• 1 can (300 g/10 ounces) diced green chilies
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy:

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 115 grams (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Lime wedges

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a generously sized cooking vessel over moderate flame, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Introduce finely diced onions to the heated surface, allowing them to soften and become translucent, gently stirring to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic and aromatic spices into the sautéed onions, creating a fragrant base that releases intense flavors through gentle stirring and toasting.
4. Pour chicken broth into the seasoned mixture, creating a flavorful liquid foundation for the chili.
5. Incorporate tender shredded chicken, carefully folding it into the spice-infused liquid to ensure even distribution.
6. Add white beans, stirring gently to blend with the existing ingredients and absorb the rich, developed flavors.
7. Simmer the mixture on low heat, allowing the components to meld and intensify their collective taste profile.
8. Introduce cream cheese and green chiles, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture that binds all elements together.
9. Continue cooking until the chili reaches a thick, creamy consistency and all ingredients are thoroughly heated.
10. Taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
11. Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest protein option that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Toast spices in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth and release aromatic oils, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, which adds richness while keeping the dish creamy and inclusive.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños, allowing each cook to control the spice intensity according to personal preference.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg