White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful and creamy dish that warms you up on chilly days. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this chili combines tender shredded chicken with a rich, flavorful broth featuring cream cheese, green chilies, and corn. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, whether served as the main course or accompanied by cornbread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich texture that elevates the traditional chili experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with lime wedges, avocado, or tortilla strips to customize each bowl to your taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this White Chicken Chili a breeze. Below are essential tools you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for simmering ingredients without spilling over.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware’s surface.
• Blender (optional): Helps create a smooth chili if you choose to blend some beans for thickness.

Ingredients

For this White Chicken Chili, gather the following ingredients:

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Fresh Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Base Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)

Beans and Veggies

• 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)

Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)

Additional Ingredients

• Salt/Pepper
• 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

Toppings

• Lime wedges
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Tortilla strips
• Fritos
• Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Combine Seasonings

Combine all spices in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper; cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Add the flour to the vegetable mixture. Toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Broth Gradually

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Follow with the half and half in small splashes until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)

If desired, reserve 1 heaping cup of drained beans and blend with ½ cup broth using a blender until smooth. Add back into the pot along with remaining whole beans.

Step 6: Incorporate Seasonings and Chicken

Stir in your prepared seasonings, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies. Bring everything to a gentle boil; let it boil uncovered for about 15 minutes before reducing heat to simmer.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt/pepper before adding to the pot along with drained corn. Let simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through, remove chicken from the pot. Shred using two forks or chop into pieces before returning it back into the chili.

Step 9: Melt Cream Cheese

Lower heat to low setting; stir in softened cream cheese gradually until melted completely into the chili mixture.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Taste your chili; adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm alongside cornbread!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili is an opportunity to elevate your meal with delightful accompaniments. Here are some great ways to present this creamy dish that will impress your family and friends.

With Fresh Garnishes

• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime adds a zesty brightness that complements the chili’s flavors.
• Diced Avocado – Creamy avocado enhances the richness of the chili and adds a nice texture.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the spicy elements of the dish.

Accompanied by Crunchy Snacks

• Tortilla Strips – Crispy tortilla strips add crunch and make for a perfect topping or side snack.
• Fritos – These corn chips offer a fun, salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the chili.
• Shredded Cheese – Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese can be sprinkled on top for extra creaminess and flavor.

With Bread Options

• Cornbread – A slice of warm cornbread is a classic pairing that soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.
• Crusty Bread Rolls – Soft rolls serve as an excellent vessel for scooping up chili while adding a hearty element to your meal.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to make yours even more delicious!

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – For convenience, using rotisserie chicken can save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings – Taste as you go. Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
• Thicken the Broth – Blend some beans before adding them to give the chili a thicker consistency that’s still creamy.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs – Adding chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving can brighten up the dish with fresh flavor.
• Experiment with Heat – If you enjoy spice, consider adding more jalapeño or hot sauce based on your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Cornbread – Sweet and crumbly, cornbread is perfect for soaking up every bit of chili goodness.
2. Garden Salad – A light salad with fresh greens balances out the richness of the chili while providing a refreshing crunch.
3. Cheesy Garlic Bread – This indulgent side complements the creamy nature of the chili perfectly.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted until caramelized provide a healthy and flavorful side option.
5. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf adds substance and absorbs any extra broth from the chili nicely.
6. Savory Scones – Cheese scones flavored with herbs bring a delightful twist to your meal and pair well with soup-style dishes.
7. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers can be served alongside for an additional veggie kick that matches well with chili flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your dish.

• Using the wrong beans: Choosing the right beans is crucial for texture. Stick with cannellini beans for a creamy finish.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Ensure you shred the chicken finely after cooking. This allows it to integrate well into the chili.
• Skipping the seasoning adjustment: Always taste your chili before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed to enhance the flavors.
• Cooking too quickly: Be patient with simmering. Cooking too fast can lead to tough chicken and uneven flavors.
• Neglecting toppings: Don’t forget about garnishes! Adding lime wedges, diced avocado, or tortilla strips can elevate your chili.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer chili to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in White Chicken Chili?

Yes! Ground turkey or shredded turkey works great as a substitute for chicken.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili?

The spiciness mainly comes from jalapenos and cayenne pepper. You can adjust these ingredients based on your preference.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with White Chicken Chili?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I store leftover White Chicken Chili?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

White Chicken Chili is not only easy to make but also offers endless customization options. You can tweak ingredients according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or at a gathering, this creamy dish is sure to please everyone!