If you’re looking for a cozy and heartwarming meal, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is just what you need! It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort on busy weeknights and joy during family gatherings. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this chili has become a favorite at my table. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, whether you choose to whip it up on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can adjust the spiciness level or add your favorite toppings to make it your own. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Make-Ahead Convenience: This chili stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite is packed with wholesome ingredients that create a rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one adds its own touch to create a deliciously creamy white chicken chili that you’ll want to make again and again.

For the Base

2 tablespoons butter
1 large sweet onion (peeled and chopped)
3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Chili

1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast
30 ounces canned cannellini beans (drained)
7 ounces chopped green chiles (mild or hot)
1 cup frozen corn
4 cups chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes; could be low fat)

Possible Garnishes

You can top your chili with any of these:
* cilantro
* scallions
* tortilla chips
* lime wedges
* shredded pepper jack cheese
* avocado

Variations

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is flexible and allows for lots of fun variations! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Swap the protein: Try using turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Make it spicy: If you love heat, use hot green chiles or add jalapeños to kick things up a notch.
Go vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your chili.

Step 2: Add Spices

Stir in the ground cumin and dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute until the spices are fragrant. This will enhance their flavors and infuse your chili with warmth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the boneless chicken breast to the pot along with all of your broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This method ensures that your meat stays juicy!

Step 4: Shred Chicken & Mix Beans

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return it back to the pot along with cannellini beans, green chiles, corn, and cream cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. The cream cheese will melt into the chili, making it wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Let your chili simmer for another few minutes while stirring occasionally. Once it’s heated throughout, serve it in bowls topped with your choice of garnishes like fresh cilantro or avocado slices. Enjoy each spoonful of this comforting dish!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Making a delicious creamy white chicken chili is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chili is a hit.

Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh onions, garlic, and herbs elevates the flavor of your chili, making it taste vibrant and delicious. Fresh ingredients can really enhance the overall taste profile.
Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with mild green chiles and adjust to your preference. You can always add more spices later on, but it’s hard to tone down the heat once it’s in!
Shred the chicken: For a more authentic texture, consider shredding the chicken after cooking. This allows it to absorb flavors better and creates that creamy consistency we all love.
Use low-sodium broth: Opting for low-sodium chicken broth helps control sodium levels without sacrificing flavor. It gives you more control over seasoning and makes for a healthier dish.
Let it rest: After cooking, let your chili sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even tastier.

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving creamy white chicken chili is just as important as making it! A few thoughtful touches can really impress your guests or family.

Garnishes

Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the creaminess of the chili.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
Tortilla chips: These provide a delightful crunch and are perfect for dipping!

Side Dishes

Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with chili and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Mexican rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes an excellent accompaniment and balances out the meal.
Avocado salad: A light salad with diced avocado, tomatoes, and lime juice adds freshness and creaminess alongside your hearty chili.
Grilled vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies add both nutrition and a smoky flavor that beautifully contrasts with the creamy chili.

Now you’re ready to serve up a bowl of comforting creamy white chicken chili that will warm hearts and satisfy appetites! Enjoy every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This creamy white chicken chili recipe is perfect for meal prep! It’s not only delicious but also stores well, making it an excellent option for busy weekdays. You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 4 days.
Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

Allow the chili to cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When freezing, consider portioning it out so you can thaw only what you need later.

Reheating

For stovetop reheating, warm the chili in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
If using a microwave, place the chili in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick after reheating.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this creamy white chicken chili recipe:

Can I make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge or freeze portions as needed.

What can I use instead of chicken broth in my Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?

You can use vegetable broth or even water with added seasonings if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just ensure that any substitute enhances the flavor!

Can I use other types of beans in this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Yes! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can experiment with great northern beans or even chickpeas for a different texture and taste.

How do I make my Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe spicier?

If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to your chili. You can also use hot green chiles instead of mild ones for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this creamy white chicken chili recipe as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or prepping meals for the week, this chili is bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!

Creamy White Chicken Chili

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker/Instant Pot
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is the answer! This hearty dish combines tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans, and zesty green chiles to create a satisfying bowl of goodness. Whether you’re busy on a weeknight or hosting family and friends, this chili is not only quick and easy to prepare but also adaptable to your taste preferences. Enjoy it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot—no matter the method, you’ll end up with a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that’s bound to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons butter
1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast
30 ounces canned cannellini beans, drained
7 ounces chopped green chiles, mild or hot
1 cup frozen corn
4 cups chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes

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Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft (about 5 minutes).
Stir in ground cumin and oregano; cook for 1 additional minute.
Add chicken breast and broth; bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the pot along with beans, green chiles, corn, and cream cheese. Mix until well combined.
Simmer for a few more minutes until heated through and serve with your favorite garnishes.