Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Ready in 30 Minutes

White chicken chili revolutionizes ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary culinary adventures that spark joy and comfort.

Most home cooks crave hearty, soul-warming dishes that require minimal preparation and deliver maximum satisfaction.

This remarkable recipe blends unexpected ingredients with traditional flavor profiles, creating something uniquely delightful and memorable.

Robust spices dance alongside tender chicken pieces, offering a delectable twist on classic comfort food.

creamy textures and bold seasonings merge into a harmonious symphony that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Rich and satisfying, this chili speaks to those who appreciate nuanced, layered flavors that elevate simple ingredients.

Your dinner table will come alive with excitement and anticipation of this magnificent dish.

Why Creamy White Chicken Chili Is a Weeknight Winner

• Comfort in a Bowl: This creamy white chicken chili delivers ultimate warmth and satisfaction with its rich, velvety texture that hugs your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious meal in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty, flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: The recipe offers incredible flexibility with optional toppings like cheese, tortilla chips, and jalapenos, allowing everyone to personalize their chili experience and create their perfect bowl of comfort.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with tender shredded chicken and protein-rich beans, this chili provides a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the evening.

What You Need for Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that adds heartiness to the chili, best when using rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.

• White Beans: Creamy legumes that provide texture and additional protein to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste and helps create the perfect consistency.

• Onion, Garlic Powder: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor foundation for the chili.
• Green Chiles: Mild, tangy peppers that add a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Oregano, Cumin: Spice blend that creates a complex and balanced flavor profile.

• Sour Cream, Heavy Whipping Cream: Rich dairy ingredients that give the chili its signature creamy and smooth texture.

• Shredded Cheese, Tortilla Chips, Green Onions, Lime Wedges, Sliced Jalapenos: Garnishes that add extra flavor, crunch, and personal touch to the chili.

• Olive Oil: Neutral oil used for sautéing and providing a light base for cooking the initial ingredients.

Easy Steps to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili at Home

Step 1: Prep the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions with garlic powder until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Build the Chili Foundation

• Shredded chicken
• Beans
• Chicken broth
• Diced green chiles
• Salt
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Finish

• Sour cream
• Heavy whipping cream

Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the chili becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Chopped green onions
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapenos

Enjoy your rich and comforting white chicken chili immediately.

Tips for a Smooth and Rich White Chicken Chili

• Shred Chicken Strategically: Use rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for tender, easily shreddable meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and black pepper to match your heat preference, adding gradually to control the chili's intensity.
• Cream Combination Technique: Temper the sour cream and heavy cream by slowly stirring in a small amount of hot chili liquid to prevent curdling.
• Bean Variety Boost: Mix white beans like cannellini and great northern for a more complex texture and richer protein profile.
• Topping Transformation: Layer fresh toppings like cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add freshness and crunch to the creamy chili.

Storing and Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili Easily

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its delicious flavor.
• Freezer Method: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for maximum 2 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing, as it may separate when thawed.
• Reheating Technique: Gently warm refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching. Microwave works too – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Great Additions to Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy chili with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, spicy flavors and cut through the creamy texture.
• Crunch with Cornbread Sidekick: Serve alongside warm, slightly sweet cornbread to complement the chili's spicy notes and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: Add a zesty mixed green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the hearty, creamy chili.
• Cool Down with Cilantro Lime Margarita: Complement the chili's spice with a bright, refreshing cilantro lime margarita that echoes the dish's Mexican-inspired flavors.

Fun Variations on Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwestern Chili: Replace green chiles with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, intense heat. Add roasted corn kernels and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to boost protein content.
• Lean Green Protein Chili: Substitute chicken with ground turkey or white fish. Include additional green vegetables like zucchini and spinach for extra nutrients. Reduce cream quantity and use coconut milk for lighter texture.
• Vegetarian Bean Fusion: Remove chicken and replace with extra beans like cannellini and black beans. Add quinoa for protein boost. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Include diced bell peppers for color and crunch.
• Creamy Green Chile Verde: Use tomatillos and increase green chile quantity. Add shredded pork instead of chicken. Include cilantro and increase cumin for authentic Mexican flavor profile. Top with queso fresco for authentic touch.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting white chicken chili from Mexican cuisine brings warmth and rich flavor to dinner tables. Hearty beans, tender chicken, and smooth cream create a delightful meal you’ll crave on cool evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotisserie chicken, shredded

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cans (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chiles

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 14 ½ ounces (407 grams) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Green onions
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapenos

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium temperature, gently sautéing finely diced onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate tender, shredded chicken, drained white beans, rich chicken broth, zesty diced green chiles, kosher salt, dried oregano, ground cumin, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the simmering mixture.
3. Vigorously stir the ingredients, allowing the liquid to reach a robust boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, permitting the chili to gently simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, which will help develop deep, complex flavors.
4. After cooking, carefully remove the pot from heat and fold in smooth sour cream and luxurious heavy whipping cream, stirring until the ingredients are completely integrated and the chili achieves a creamy, velvety consistency.
5. Ladle the steaming chili into warm serving bowls and customize with optional garnishes such as sharp shredded cheddar cheese, crispy tortilla chips, thinly sliced green onions, tangy lime wedges, or spicy sliced jalapeños for an extra flavor dimension.

Notes

• Prep ahead by shredding chicken and chopping onions in advance to speed up cooking time.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein shortcut that adds extra flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper to suit personal heat preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a convenient future meal.
• Garnish with fresh toppings like crispy tortilla strips or cilantro for added texture and brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg