Cozy White Chicken Chili Recipe: Heartwarming & Zesty Magic

Crafting a hearty white chicken chili brings comfort and warmth to any meal.

Packed with tender shredded chicken and creamy white beans, this dish offers a delightful twist on traditional chili recipes.

Aromatic spices dance through each spoonful, creating a vibrant flavor profile that surprises and satisfies.

Smooth cream cheese melts into the broth, adding richness and depth to every bite.

Jalapeños provide a gentle kick for those who enjoy a mild heat.

Quick to prepare and incredibly filling, this chili becomes an instant favorite at your table.

You’ll want to savor every last drop of this soul-warming meal.

White Chicken Chili – A Creamy, Comforting Favorite

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a hearty chili that comes together faster than traditional stew recipes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt this white chicken chili to your taste preferences by adjusting spice levels, adding extra toppings like sour cream or cilantro, or swapping ingredients to match your pantry.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with tender chicken, creamy texture, and mild flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this chili ensures everyone at the table will enjoy a delicious meal together.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pot recipe that streamlines cooking and reduces dish washing, making meal preparation and post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Chili Bowls

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides the primary substance and flavor for the chili.
• White Beans: Creamy legumes that add texture and bulk to the dish.

• Onion, Jalapeno, Garlic: A classic flavor base that builds depth and provides a subtle heat to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild, tangy pepper flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Butter, Flour: Creates a smooth roux to thicken the chili and provide a rich base.
• Half & Half, Cream Cheese: Contributes a creamy, velvety texture and rich flavor to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the chili.
• Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complexity and a hint of spicy tang to the overall flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Corn: Adds a sweet, textural element to the chili.
• Cornbread, Tortilla Chips: Suggested accompaniments to serve with the chili.

Cooking Method for the Best White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prep Veggie Base

Grab a sharp knife and dice onions, jalapeno, and garlic into small, uniform pieces.

This creates a flavor foundation for your chili.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat butter in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions and jalapeno, letting them dance and soften for 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another quick minute, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Create Thickening Base

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Cook for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in chicken broth and half & half, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Build Flavor Layers

• White beans
• Chicken broth
• Hot sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Green chilies

Puree one cup of beans with chicken broth, then add this creamy mixture back to the pot along with whole beans and remaining ingredients.

Stir to combine and develop deep, complex flavors.

Step 5: Poach Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Drop them into the simmering pot along with corn.

Allow everything to bubble gently for 15-20 minutes until chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Step 6: Transform Chicken

Carefully remove chicken from pot.

Using two forks, shred meat into tender pieces.

Return shredded chicken back into the chili.

Step 7: Enrich With Cream Cheese

Lower heat and introduce softened cream cheese.

Stir until completely melted and integrated, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.

Step 8: Garnish And Enjoy

Ladle chili into bowls.

Serve alongside cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or your favorite toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Tips to Make White Chicken Chili Rich and Flavorful

• Puree some beans with broth to create a thicker, creamier base without losing the classic chunky chili feel.
• Adjust hot sauce and jalapeno quantities to match your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and a leaner protein option.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature and stir gradually to create a smooth, silky texture without lumps.
• Consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to enhance the chili's overall taste profile.

Variations for Spicy or Mild White Chicken Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or mixed beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a protein-packed plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Green Chili: Swap beans with cauliflower florets and zucchini, reduce flour, and use heavy cream to maintain creamy texture while lowering carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, and increase jalapeno quantity for a more intense, southwestern-style flavor profile with deeper heat levels.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Chili: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter alternative to create a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili with Sides

• Cozy Cornbread Companion: Slice warm, buttery cornbread and serve alongside the chili for a classic comfort food combination that soaks up the rich, creamy broth perfectly.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded monterey jack cheese, dollop sour cream, scatter fresh cilantro, and add crispy tortilla strips for a texture-packed and colorful presentation.
• Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance the chili's creamy and spicy flavors, offering a refreshing contrast.

Keeping White Chicken Chili Fresh in the Fridge

• Transfer leftover white chicken chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili seems too thick.
• Pour the chili into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add a little chicken broth or water to restore the original consistency.

FAQs

• What gives this white chicken chili its unique flavor?

The combination of green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a complex, tangy flavor profile that sets this chili apart from traditional red chili recipes.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be easily adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeno and hot sauce you add. For a milder version, remove the jalapeno seeds or reduce the hot sauce.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and can save you time. Just shred the chicken and add it during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

• Do I need a special type of bean for this recipe?

White chicken chili typically uses white beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans. Either works well, so use what you have on hand or prefer.

White Chicken Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

White chicken chili emerges as a comforting Mexican-inspired classic that warms hearts and satisfies hungry diners. Rich, creamy flavors blend perfectly with tender chicken, creating a soul-soothing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 1/2 pounds bone-in skinless chicken breast
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15.5 ounces/440 grams) cans cannellini beans, drained
• 2 (4 ounces/113 grams) cans mild green chilies, undrained
• 1 (15.25 ounces/432 grams) can whole kernel corn, drained

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup half & half (half milk, half cream)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Finely dice onions, jalapeno, and garlic, preparing all ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
2. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature, sautéing onions and jalapeno for approximately 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
3. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a thickening base. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and half & half, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Partially blend one cup of beans with chicken broth, creating a creamy texture. Return the pureed mixture to the pot, then add remaining whole beans, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies.
5. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then introduce them along with corn into the simmering liquid. Allow the mixture to cook for 15-20 minutes at a gentle simmer until chicken is completely cooked through.
6. Extract chicken from the pot, shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks, and return the shredded meat back into the chili.
7. Lower heat and incorporate softened cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the chili, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
8. Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, accompanied by cornbread, tortilla chips, or preferred garnishes for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ingredient Flexibility Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie or leftover chicken to save cooking time and add deeper flavor.
• Spice Customization Adjust jalapeño and hot sauce levels to control heat intensity, making the chili mild or fiery based on personal preference.
• Thickening Techniques Use an immersion blender to partially blend beans for a creamier texture, or add extra flour for a thicker consistency if desired.
• Dietary Adaptations Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 383 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 2216 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg