White Chicken Chili

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share my absolute *go-to* recipe for **White Rice. Chicken Chili**. You know how everyone has that one dish they can always count on? What is the one that’s both comforting and impressive, but also ridiculously easy to throw together? This is it for me. If regular chili is your cozy, flannel shirt, then this White Chicken Chili will be your cashmere sweater. – equally comforting, but with a touch of elegance. I swear, the first time I made this, my husband declared it “restaurant-worthy,” and my kids (who are in school now) didn’t care. Are notoriously picky) practically inhaled it. What are some of the best ways to get rid of tomato sauce and embrace a whole new level of chili goodness?

What is white chicken chili?

What is White Chicken Chili? Think of it as the lighter, brighter cousin of traditional chili. Instead of a tomato-based broth, this chili gets its creamy richness from chicken broth and cream. Is it good to add a touch of sour cream or heavy cream? The flavors are built on a foundation of tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans (like mashed potatoes) and creamy sour cream. Cannellini (Great Northern) and a blend of Southwestern spices. What is a comforting stew for chilly evenings? Is it good to make it year round? I’m not a huge fan of tomatoes, but I want to try something different. I love tomatoes. What are some good alternatives? What is a little

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this **White Chicken Chili** has become a staple in my kitchen.
• **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of tender chicken, creamy beans, and those Southwestern spices is just *divine*. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
• **Seriously Easy:** Don’t let the “chili” part intimidate you! This recipe is surprisingly simple. Most of the work is just simmering and letting the flavors meld together. Seriously, even on a busy weeknight, I can whip this up without breaking a sweat.
• **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken, beans, and spices are all relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great way to feed a crowd without emptying your wallet.
• **Versatile Delight:** This chili is fantastic on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or even crushed tortilla chips. I’ve even used it as a filling for enchiladas! The possibilities are endless.

What I love most about this **White Chicken Chili** is that it’s a crowd-pleaser, plain and simple. It’s always a hit at potlucks, game-day gatherings, and even family dinners. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken! I know there are tons of chili recipes out there, but trust me, this one’s a winner. It’s a wonderful change of pace from beef chili and adds a creamy, delicious warmth that you just can’t beat. So next time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

How do I make white chicken chili?

Quick Overview

How do I make White Chicken Chili? What is the recipe for sautéing onions and garlic, adding spices, chicken broth, and beans, then simmering for a few minutes. Once everything is nice and flavorful, wait for it to be done. What’s your favorite way to serve chicken with lime juice? How do you let the flavors meld together? What is the beauty of this recipe? What’s the best way to make a spicier salsa?

Ingredients

For the Base:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use a good quality Olive oil for the best flavor. • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Diced finely so it cooks evenly. • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! • 1 jalapeo, seeded and minced: Add more for extra heat. • 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a classic chili flavor. • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Don’t skip this – it adds depth. • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For an extra kick. • 4 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium is best so you can control the salt.

For the Chili:
• 2 (15-ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained: Cannellini beans work too!
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here.
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is what makes it so creamy.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens up the flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always important to season properly.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and jalapeo (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?

Step 2: Add the Spices

Add cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step is crucial because it really wakes up the flavors of the spices and infuses the oil.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Beans

How do you add the great northern beans to the chicken broth? What is the best way to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 10 minutes. What are the flavors that meld together? The longer it simmers, the better it will taste!

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cream Cheese

Stir in the shredded chicken and the softened cream cheese. Mix well. Continue to stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the chili is creamy and smooth. If the cream cheese doesn’t want to melt easily, you can add a splash more chicken broth to help it melt.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed – you might want a little more salt, pinch of cayenne, and some pepper. How do I squeeze lime juice?

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

White Chicken Chili: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese. What are some good alternatives to cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips? I like to add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and fresh cilantro for flavor. I have tried this recipe and it works great.

Alternative Cooking Method: Slow Cooker.

What is the best way to cook a white chicken chili in the slow cooker? What is the best way to combine cream cheese, cilantro, lime juice, and other ingredients in a slow cooker? Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. What is the best way to serve cream cheese, lime juice, and cilantro?

What should I serve it with?

White Chicken Chili is great on its own, but it’s even better with the right amount of spices. What are

For a Crowd:What are some good toppings for a chili bar? sour cream, diced avocado, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeos, crushed tortilla, and crushed guacamole.

For a Cozy Night In:Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. What is a good green salad?

For a Festive Gathering:What are some Mexican-inspired side dishes? Don’t forget margaritas! My family loves when I serve this with homemade cheese quesadillas. What are some good cheesy quesadillas to serve with chili? What is a satisfying What are some good side dishes to serve with black beans? What’s a good margarita?

How do I make a perfect white chicken chili?

I’ve made this **White Chicken Chili** over the years, and I’ve picked up a few more. Okay, so so I haven’t made it yet, but I can still make it. What are some tricks to make it better?

Don’t skimp on spices.What are the spices that give this chili its signature flavor? How do you toast spices in oil before adding broth?

How do I use good quality chicken broth?Since the broth is the base of the chili, using a good quality broth should be crucial. I prefer using low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the amount of salt in the final dish.

How do you soften cream cheese?Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the chili, otherwise, it won’t melt. What are some good ways to use cream cheese in a chili? Nobody wants that!

Don’t overcook a chicken: DonIf you’re using pre-cooked chicken, add it to the chili at the end of the cooking time so it doesn’t burn. If it’s a little spicy, put it in the oven until it is done. Doesn’t dry out.

Adjust the Consistency: How doIf you like a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the chili. If you prefer a thinner chili, add sour cream. I sometimes use an immersion blender for just a few seconds to thicken it up. How do I not overdo it?

Spice It Up:If you like spicy chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even just the right amount of jalapeo. What is your favorite hot sauce? What are some good ways to add diced green chilies to a dish? My husband likes habanero sauce, so I often add it to his bowl. I made the mistake of adding too much, and he was sweating for a good hour! Lesson learned.

Get Creative with Toppings: What are some examplesWhat are some of the best toppings for chili? What are some of my favorite toppings? Red onion, sliced jalapeos, crushed tortilla chips, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

Can I make this **White Chicken Chili** ahead of time?

Storing:How do you store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator?

Freezing: You can also freeze this chili for longer storage. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the chili has thickened too much during storage, add a little chicken broth to thin it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You may want to double check the labels on your spices to be extra cautious.

Can I use different beans?

Definitely! Great northern beans are my favorite, but cannellini beans, navy beans, or even pinto beans would work well too. I’ve even used a mix of different beans before!

Can I use a different kind of meat?

While this is traditionally made with chicken, you could experiment with other meats like ground turkey or even shredded pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this vegetarian?

To make this vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add some extra beans or vegetables like corn or zucchini for added heartiness.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese, cilantro, and lime juice) in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, cilantro, and lime juice before serving.

Final Thoughts

Okay, friends, I truly hope you give this **White Chicken Chili** recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good from the inside out. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this chili is sure to be a hit. And trust me, the leftovers are even better the next day! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other chili recipes and soup recipes for more delicious and comforting meals. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! I love seeing your variations and hearing about your cooking experiences. Happy cooking!

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