The Ultimate Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets excitement in this delightful white chicken chili that promises to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.

Layers of rich, velvety flavors dance together in a bowl of pure deliciousness.

Tender chicken mingles with creamy broth, creating a symphony of textures that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Soft beans and aromatic spices weave through each spoonful, telling a story of home-cooked goodness.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can whip up this magical meal in no time.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more interesting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this chili becomes an instant family favorite.

Why Creamy White Chicken Chili Is Comfort In A Bowl

• Blast Comfort: Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this creamy white chicken chili that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Transform the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or extra cheese for a personalized touch.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare this delicious meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty and nutritious dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress guests or family members with a restaurant-quality dish that balances creamy texture, bold spices, and tender chicken in every spoonful.

Everything You’ll Need For Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Chicken Breasts: Whole breasts that provide the primary protein and meaty texture for the chili.
• White Beans: Classic legume that adds protein and creamy consistency to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that creates a savory foundation for the chili.
• Green Bell Pepper, Corn Kernels: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and nutritional value.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that create a complex and warm flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall depth of the chili.
• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Dairy ingredients that provide a rich, velvety texture and smooth taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté vegetables and start the cooking process.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the chili and create a more substantial consistency.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the creamy flavors.
• Cilantro: Garnish that provides a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

How To Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Step-By-Step

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Place whole chicken breasts into the pot, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are nearly cooked through.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

• Flour
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to ensure an even, light coating of seasonings on the chicken.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Hearty Ingredients

• White beans
• Corn kernels

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked and tender.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.

Step 7: Create Creamy Texture

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream

Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, creating a rich and velvety consistency.

Step 8: Add Fresh Crunch

Dice green bell pepper and fold into the chili for a burst of freshness and texture.

Step 9: Finish with Bright Flavors

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top just before serving.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Ladle the creamy white chicken chili into bowls. Enjoy the warm, comforting dish while it’s piping hot.

Tips To Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast cumin and chili powder in the pot before adding other ingredients to unlock richer, more intense spice notes.
• Prevent Cream Curdling: Lower heat when adding dairy and stir constantly to maintain smooth, silky consistency without separation.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey for quick alternative protein sources.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and add diced jalapeños to increase heat or reduce for milder flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Refrigerate chili for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months, ensuring flavors continue to develop and intensify over time.

Tasty Twists For Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Spicy Southwest Chili: Replace bell pepper with diced jalapeños and add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for extra heat and smoky flavor.
• Green Chile Chicken Chili: Swap white beans for pinto beans and incorporate roasted green chiles from New Mexico for an authentic southwestern taste.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit sour cream, maintaining creamy texture with plant-based alternatives.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chili: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and replace traditional spices with oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine for a Mediterranean profile.

Pairing Picks For Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the chili's creamy richness and complement its zesty lime and herb notes.
• Serve with Cornbread Sidekick: Bake a golden, slightly sweet cornbread to soak up the chili's velvety sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast with its crumbly, tender crumb.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: Toss a light, peppery arugula salad with fresh cilantro, lime vinaigrette, and toasted pumpkin seeds to add brightness and crunch alongside the hearty chili.

How To Store Creamy White Chicken Chili Like A Pro

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick.
• When reheating, stir cream-based chili carefully to prevent separation. Warm slowly and avoid high heat to maintain smooth texture.

FAQs For Creamy White Chicken Chili Lovers

• Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild, warm flavor from cumin and chili powder, but it’s not intensely hot. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Canned white beans work perfectly and save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the chili.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor. Both will shred easily after cooking.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose low-fat cream, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition.

Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

White Chicken Chili emerges as a comforting Mexican-inspired dish blending tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty white beans. Spicy peppers and rich seasonings create a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans
• 1 large onion

beans and vegetables:

• 2 cups corn kernels
• 1 green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic

spices and seasonings:

• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

cream and thickening:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

additional ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 lime (for juice)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Add whole chicken breasts to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
3. Sprinkle flour, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly and create a light seasoning layer.
4. Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add white beans and corn kernels, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing the chili to cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Remove chicken breasts and shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the pot.
7. Stir in heavy cream and sour cream, creating a rich and velvety texture, and let the chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Dice green bell pepper and mix into the chili for added freshness and crunch.
9. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chili and garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving.
10. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the creamy, hearty white chicken chili while hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for quicker meal preparation and consistent tenderness.
• Reduce dairy content by using coconut milk or Greek yogurt as lighter cream alternatives.
• Amp up protein levels by adding extra white beans or diced jalapeños for spicy kick.
• Ensure maximum flavor by letting chili simmer longer, allowing spices to deeply infuse into the broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 109 mg