Hearty & Zesty White Chicken Chili Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of white chicken chili that whispers warmth and flavor.

Fragrant spices dance through tender meat and creamy broth, creating a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers with bold southwestern charm.

Lean protein mingles with soft beans and hearty ingredients, promising satisfaction in every spoonful.

Peppers and green chilies add a subtle kick that wakes up tired taste buds.

Families and friends will gather around this delicious creation, eager to savor each comforting bite.

You won’t be able to resist this soul-warming dish that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of taste.

FAQs

• Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes, you can substitute canned chicken for convenience. Drain the liquid and break the chicken into smaller pieces before adding to the chili.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your spices are certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is white chicken chili?

This version is mild to medium in heat. If you want more spice, add extra green chilies or include some jalapeños when sautéing the onions.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative cream to keep the creamy texture while making it dairy-free.

White Chicken Chili That Warms From the First Spoonful

Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this hearty white chicken chili in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner fast.

Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Packed with mild spices and creamy texture, this chili appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings.

Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add toppings to match your taste preferences – from extra cheese to spicy jalapeños, this recipe welcomes personal twists that keep mealtime exciting.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this chili a go-to recipe for home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated cooking techniques or multiple dirty dishes.

White Chicken Chili Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that provides the main protein for the chili.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add protein and texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that add subtle heat and complexity.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika: Spices that create a rich, warm flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight other ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, smooth texture and tanginess.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and additional flavor.
• Frozen Corn: Optional ingredient that adds sweetness and texture.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds extra richness and flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings brightness.
• Lime Juice: Provides a zesty, fresh finish.

White Chicken Chili Comfort Food Method

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, dancing them around until they become soft and release their magical fragrance.

The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 2: Spice It Up

• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together so the spices hug each ingredient and create a vibrant base.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

The liquid will start transforming into a warm, inviting base.

Step 4: Create Hearty Layers

• Shredded chicken
• White beans
• Frozen corn

Let everything bubble and dance together for 15-20 minutes.

This is where the magic happens and flavors start mingling.

Step 5: Creamy Transformation

Introduce cream cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious texture.

Pour in heavy cream and mix until the chili becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the chili into bowls.

Top with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime squeeze for an extra flavor explosion.

Simple Advice for White Chicken Chili

• Toast cumin and chili powder in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquid to release deeper, more robust aromatics.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Adjust cream cheese and heavy cream quantities to achieve desired thickness – less for a lighter chili, more for a richer texture.
• Prepare larger batches and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach during simmering to increase vegetable content and boost overall nutritional profile.

White Chicken Chili Storage Plan

• Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency and prevent sticking.
• Place chili in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Chili Sides for White Chicken Chili

• Complement White Chicken Chili with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the creamy richness and enhances the chili's bright flavors.
• Pair with Warm Cornbread Muffins: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread provides perfect textural contrast and soaks up the chili's delicious broth.
• Match with Fresh Mexican Salad: Crunchy greens, radishes, and a tangy lime vinaigrette balance the chili's creamy and spicy profile.
• Serve with Craft Mexican Lager: Cold, crisp beer with subtle malt notes refreshes the palate and complements the chili's southwestern spices.

White Chicken Chili In Hearty Styles

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like diced tofu, seitan, or quinoa. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap white beans with cauliflower florets or zucchini chunks. Reduce corn amount or eliminate to lower carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese. Select nutritional yeast or cashew cream as cheese alternative for creamy texture.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili powder and add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Include red pepper flakes for extra heat intensity.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty white chicken chili brings authentic Mexican comfort to dinner tables with creamy, spicy goodness. Packed with tender chicken, robust beans, and zesty peppers, you’ll savor each comforting spoonful of this soul-warming classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Beans and Vegetables:

• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) green chilies
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel and gently transform diced onions and minced garlic into a translucent, aromatic base over moderate temperature.
2. Introduce green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a vibrant spice foundation by stirring thoroughly.
3. Stream chicken broth into the seasoned mixture, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
4. Carefully fold in tender shredded chicken, pristine white beans, and sweet frozen corn, letting the ingredients dance together for 15-20 minutes to develop complex flavors.
5. Incorporate cream cheese, gently stirring until it dissolves completely into a luxurious, creamy texture, then blend in heavy cream to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Elevate the chili’s presentation by topping with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, and a bright citrus accent from a lime wedge, transforming the dish into a comforting culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of green chilies or adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
• Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cream cheese to make the dish dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the chili.
• Enhance the protein content by adding quinoa or additional beans for a more filling meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg