White Chicken Chili

The White Chicken Chili brings a cozy twist to traditional chili, blending shredded chicken, white beans, and corn for a hearty, creamy bowl with a hint of spice. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish keeps well and can be frozen, offering a warm, home-cooked meal at your fingertips any time.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser, this creamy chili won’t disappoint. Its mild spiciness can be adjusted to suit any palate, while toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or shredded cheese add extra flavor and flair. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this White Chicken Chili is sure to be a hit!

Full Recipe:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 540 ml canned white kidney beans (19oz), drained and rinsed
  • 341 ml canned corn (12oz), drained
  • 127 ml canned green chiles (4.3oz)
  • 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (125 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

  1. In a 3-4 quart dutch oven or soup pot, add chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
  2. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot with the chicken broth.
  3. Add beans, corn, green chiles, Tabasco sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Cut cream cheese into cubes and add it to the pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring to melt the cream cheese.
  5. For a thicker chili, mix corn starch with water and add it to the pot. Stir and cook until desired thickness is reached.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 394 kcal | Servings: 4

White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili has grown in popularity as a versatile, satisfying alternative to traditional red chili. Its creamy, mild flavors and the delightful combination of shredded chicken, white beans, and corn offer a comforting meal that feels hearty without being too heavy. This recipe, which can be prepared in just 30 minutes, brings together simple, easily accessible ingredients and adapts well to different dietary preferences and spice levels. With its balanced flavors and easy preparation, White Chicken Chili is a go-to recipe for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that warms from the inside out.

The Appeal of White Chicken Chili

One of the great things about White Chicken Chili is that it’s both rich and nourishing while being adaptable. Unlike many other types of chili that use red meat and tomatoes, this recipe swaps out those heavier ingredients for chicken and white beans, providing lean protein and fiber while keeping the dish lighter in taste and texture. The corn adds a subtle sweetness, which balances beautifully with the mild heat from the green chiles and a dash of Tabasco. Cream cheese, added toward the end of cooking, brings a luxurious creaminess, making each spoonful smooth and velvety.

Additionally, this White Chicken Chili is a fantastic recipe for meal prepping. You can double or even triple the recipe, freeze it in portions, and have a ready-made, delicious meal on hand whenever you need it. This makes it ideal not only for busy weeknight dinners but also for family gatherings, potlucks, or game-day events where comfort food is essential. It’s the kind of recipe that works well for a variety of occasions without compromising on flavor or quality.

Nutrition Benefits

White Chicken Chili is not only tasty but also brings a range of nutritional benefits. Chicken breast, a lean source of protein, keeps the dish lower in fat while providing essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. White beans add fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Beans are also rich in plant-based protein, so this chili is a good option for anyone looking to cut back on red meat.

Corn brings a pleasant texture and subtle sweetness to the dish while contributing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants like beta-carotene, which support immune health and vision. Green chiles and chili powder add a bit of heat and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish, and they bring their own set of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that are beneficial for overall health. Cream cheese, although indulgent, is used in moderation and gives the dish its signature creaminess without overwhelming it with extra calories. Additionally, this recipe can be made even healthier by using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Customizing White Chicken Chili to Your Taste

One of the best things about this White Chicken Chili recipe is how easily it can be customized. The spice level, for instance, can be adjusted by adding more or less Tabasco sauce or by introducing some red pepper flakes if you want a more pronounced kick. For those who prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the chili powder or omit the Tabasco sauce altogether.

This dish is also highly adaptable in terms of ingredients. Some people enjoy adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots for added texture and flavor. You can also change up the beans, using great northern beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas if you prefer a different texture or flavor profile. For those who like their chili even creamier, a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream can be stirred in before serving.

White Chicken Chili can be topped in a variety of ways to add more flavor, texture, and color. Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and jalapeño slices. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a burst of freshness that complements the creamy, savory notes of the chili. For those who like a crunchier topping, tortilla chips or a few strips of fried tortilla make a great garnish.

Tips for Cooking and Storing White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is simple to make, but a few tips can elevate it to the next level. First, when simmering the chicken, keep the heat on medium-low to avoid overcooking it, as this can lead to tough, dry chicken. Once cooked, the chicken should shred easily with two forks, which you can then return to the pot to absorb all the delicious flavors. Another tip is to cube the cream cheese before adding it to the pot, as this helps it melt evenly and prevents any lumps from forming.

Since this recipe thickens as it cools, you may want to add an extra splash of broth or a bit of milk when reheating it, especially if you plan to freeze portions. Storing White Chicken Chili is easy: keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, you can use the stovetop or microwave, but remember to add a bit of liquid to maintain its creamy consistency.

White Chicken Chili: Perfect for Gatherings

White Chicken Chili’s mild and creamy flavor profile makes it a crowd-pleaser, suitable for gatherings where a variety of tastes need to be accommodated. It’s ideal for hosting because it can be prepared in advance and kept warm in a slow cooker, allowing guests to serve themselves throughout the event. You can even set up a toppings bar with options like shredded cheese, green onions, fresh jalapeños, and tortilla chips, letting everyone customize their bowl to their liking.

Moreover, White Chicken Chili is a great choice for casual gatherings because it’s easy to eat with just a spoon, making it a fuss-free option for events where people may be eating standing up or chatting with others. And since it’s a lighter chili than the traditional red beef versions, it pairs well with other game-day or party foods like nachos, sliders, or veggie platters without feeling too heavy.

Variations to Try

For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, White Chicken Chili offers several exciting variations. You can make it dairy-free by substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream alternative or a splash of coconut milk for a unique twist. For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or cumin, which pair wonderfully with the creamy base and enhance the chili’s depth. Another fun twist is to add a handful of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking, giving the dish an added boost of nutrients and a pop of green color.

For a more rustic flavor, try roasting the corn before adding it to the pot. This caramelizes the sugars in the corn, adding a hint of smokiness that contrasts well with the creaminess of the dish. And for those who enjoy a bit of crunch, crumbled bacon or chorizo sprinkled on top makes a delicious and indulgent topping that enhances the dish’s savory notes.

Conclusion

White Chicken Chili is a versatile, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for almost any occasion. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and mild spice, it’s a warming meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. This chili is adaptable to various dietary preferences and can be customized with a wide array of toppings and flavor add-ins. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a week’s worth of meal prep, or a gathering with friends, White Chicken Chili delivers on taste, convenience, and satisfaction.

This recipe stands out for its balance of creaminess and spice, making it approachable for all ages and palates. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time. White Chicken Chili is a perfect addition to any meal rotation, offering comfort, nutrition, and endless ways to make it your own.

Leave a Comment