What ingredients do I need to make White Chicken Chili?

To make White Chicken Chili, you’ll need chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken works well), white beans such as cannellini or great northern beans, mild green chilies, chicken broth, onion, garlic, spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, and coriander, frozen corn, and a soft cheese like Neufchatel or cream cheese for creaminess. Fresh lime juice and cilantro add brightness at the end, and toppings such as avocado, shredded cheese, or tortilla chips can be served alongside.

How do I make White Chicken Chili creamy without adding too much dairy?

For a creamy texture without extra dairy, puree a portion of the white beans with some cooking broth and stir this back into the chili. This technique thickens the chili naturally by adding body and creaminess from the beans themselves, avoiding the need for flour or excessive cheese. Adding a small amount of cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese also boosts creaminess without overpowering the flavor.

Can I cook White Chicken Chili in a slow cooker, and what’s the best method?

Yes, slow cooking White Chicken Chili is easy and convenient. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add raw chicken breasts, broth, green chilies, and spices to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender. Remove and shred the chicken, stir in softened cream cheese, pureed beans, whole beans, and corn, then return chicken to the pot. Heat through before serving. This method builds flavor and saves time.

Is it better to use rotisserie chicken or cook raw chicken for this chili recipe?

Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is often preferred because it brings added flavor and keeps the chicken moist, while also cutting down on prep time. Cooking raw chicken in the chili can sometimes dry out the meat if overcooked. If using raw chicken, add it early in the cooking process and shred it once tender to maintain texture.

When is the ideal time to make White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is perfect for cool weather and busy weeknights since it’s quick to prepare and comforting. It’s also popular for casual gatherings like football games, Halloween parties, or cozy family dinners. It warms up well as leftovers, making it great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

White Chicken Chili Recipe With Simple Ingredients And Rich Flavor

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 large onion, diced; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; – 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth; – 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild); – 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; – 1/2 teaspoon paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; – 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – Salt and pepper to taste; – 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese or light cream cheese, cut into small cubes; – 1 1/4 cups frozen corn; – 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans; – 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken; – 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; – 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Ingredients

– 1 large onion, diced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth

– 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild)

– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese or light cream cheese, cut into small cubes

– 1 1/4 cups frozen corn

– 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini or great northern beans

– 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken

– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1-Getting started: Getting started with this white chicken chili is straightforward and fun, especially if you’re using simple kitchen tools. First, prepare all your ingredients by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and measuring out the spices to keep things organized. This step sets you up for success and makes cooking feel less overwhelming.

2-Next, in a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the diced onion for about 4 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to bring out its aroma, creating a flavorful base for your white chicken chili.

3-Then, pour in the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil and simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. This is where the magic happens, blending the spices into a rich broth.

4-After that, drain and rinse the beans, setting aside the whole ones while pureeing 1 cup of beans with 1/4 cup of the soup broth until smooth. Add the Neufchatel cheese, frozen corn, whole beans, and pureed beans to the pot, stirring well and simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes for a creamy texture. Finally, mix in the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and cilantro, then serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

🫘 Pureeing some beans with broth adds creaminess without extra dairy or flour.
🍗 Using leftover or pre-cooked chicken prevents dryness and enhances flavor.
🍋 Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten and balance the rich flavors.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-free option if using gluten-free toppings

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 383
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 525 milligrams
Fat: 14 grams
Saturated Fat: 6 grams
Unsaturated Fat: approximate 8 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 35 grams
Fiber: 8 grams
Protein: 33 grams
Cholesterol: 77 milligrams