Are you looking for a new dinner idea that is both comforting and exciting? Something different from the usual tomato based chili? You have come to the right place. This recipe is one of my favorite go to meals when I want something hearty and full of flavor.
This amazing White Chicken Chili is so simple to make. It uses everyday ingredients and a few clever shortcuts to get a delicious dinner on the table fast. It’s creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of spice. Let’s get cooking!
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this chili is incredibly easy to prepare. We use cooked chicken, like from a rotisserie chicken, which saves so much time and effort. It makes this one of the best Chicken Dinner Recipes for a busy weeknight.
The flavor is just so satisfying. It’s rich and creamy without being too heavy. The blend of cumin, oregano, and a little cayenne pepper gives it a warm, gentle heat that is so comforting on a cool evening. It is a really Unique Chili Recipe.
Plus, it’s a one pot meal! Fewer dishes to wash is always a win in my book. Everything simmers together in one large pot, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. You will be so happy you tried this White Chicken Chili.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make this wonderful White Chicken Chilli. All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. It is a simple list for a very flavorful dish.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 (15 ounce) cans Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (8 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half & half
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this delicious White Chicken Chili is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a warm bowl of goodness ready in no time at all. It is a fantastic process.
Step 1: Saute The Aromatics
First, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Pour the olive oil in and set the heat to medium. Once the oil is warm, add your chopped red onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes.
You will know they are ready when the onions become soft and translucent. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing. This is the first layer of flavor for our chili.
Step 2: Combine And Simmer
Next, it is time to add most of the remaining ingredients. Add the shredded chicken, the rinsed Northern Beans, the chicken broth, and the can of diced green chilies to the pot. It is a simple dump and go step.
Then, sprinkle in all of your seasonings. That includes the salt, cumin, oregano, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all of those wonderful flavors together.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to get to know each other and create a rich taste.
Step 3: Add The Creaminess
After the chili has simmered, it is time for the final touch. This is what makes our White Chicken Chili so special. Turn off the heat. Now, stir in the sour cream and the half and half.
Keep stirring until everything is smooth and creamy. The chili will take on a lovely, light color and a wonderfully rich texture. Be careful not to let the chili boil after adding the dairy, as it can cause it to separate.
Step 4: Serve And Garnish
And that is it! Ladle your beautiful White Chicken Chili into bowls. Now for the fun part: the toppings! You can add shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or even a dollop more of sour cream.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this fantastic White Chicken Chili, storing them is very simple. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. The flavors really settle in.
Allow the chili to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is one of those great Chicken Dinner Recipes that is good for meal prep.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it. The best way is to pour the chili into a small saucepan. Warm it over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring often, until it is heated all the way through.
Tips
Want to make your White Chicken Chili even better? Here are a few simple tips to help you customize the recipe to your liking. Cooking should be fun, so feel free to experiment a bit!
- Topping Fun: Go wild with your toppings! Besides the classics, try adding some sliced jalapeños for extra heat, a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor, or some chopped tomatoes for freshness.
- Control the Heat: This recipe has a mild spice level. If you like things spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat, you can omit the cayenne altogether.
- Bean Swaps: Great Northern beans work beautifully, but you can also use cannellini beans or even navy beans. Any white bean will do the trick, so use what you have on hand.
- Make it Thicker: If you like a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to help some of the liquid evaporate. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken it.
- Chicken Choices: A store bought rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver. However, you can also boil or bake your own chicken breasts and shred them. Leftover grilled chicken also works wonderfully in this Unique Chili Recipe.
Conclusion
This White Chicken Chili is a truly comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve to guests. I just love it.
The combination of tender chicken, soft beans, and that creamy, flavorful broth is simply wonderful. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. It is a great way to change up your chili routine!
FAQ
Can I Make This White Chicken Chilli In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you absolutely can! To adapt this for a slow cooker, I would still recommend sautéing the onion and garlic on the stove first to build that flavor base. Then, add them to your slow cooker along with the chicken, beans, broth, chilies, and seasonings.
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream and half and half. This makes it an even easier meal.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
The ingredients in this White Chicken Chili are naturally gluten free. However, it is always a good idea to double check the labels on your chicken broth and sour cream to ensure they are certified gluten free, as some brands can have hidden additives.
Can I Freeze This Chili?
Yes, this chili freezes pretty well, but there is one important step. Dairy products like sour cream and half and half can sometimes separate when they are frozen and reheated. The texture can become a little grainy.
For the best results, I suggest freezing the chili before you add the sour cream and half and half. Let the chili base cool completely, then store it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it, reheat it on the stove, and then stir in the dairy at the end.
What Should I Serve With This Chili?
This White Chicken Chili is a wonderful meal all on its own, but it pairs nicely with several side dishes. A piece of warm cornbread is a classic choice for soaking up all of that creamy broth. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or over a bed of fluffy white rice.
White Chicken Chili
This creamy, savory White Chicken Chili is simple to make using everyday ingredients. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or serving to guests. Enjoy a mild spice and easy preparation in one pot!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Pour the olive oil in and set the heat to medium. Once the oil is warm, add your chopped red onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Next, add the shredded chicken, the rinsed Northern Beans, the chicken broth, and the can of diced green chilies to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, cumin, oregano, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After the chili has simmered, turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream and the half and half until everything is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to let the chili boil after adding the dairy, as it can cause it to separate.
- Ladle your White Chicken Chili into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or a dollop more of sour cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Topping Fun: Go wild with your toppings! Besides the classics, try adding some sliced jalapeños for extra heat, a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor, or some chopped tomatoes for freshness.
Control the Heat: This recipe has a mild spice level. If you like things spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat, you can omit the cayenne altogether.
Bean Swaps: Great Northern beans work beautifully, but you can also use cannellini beans or even navy beans. Any white bean will do the trick, so use what you have on hand.
Make it Thicker: If you like a thicker chili, you can let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to help some of the liquid evaporate. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken it.
Chicken Choices: A store bought rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver. However, you can also boil or bake your own chicken breasts and shred them. Leftover grilled chicken also works wonderfully in this Unique Chili Recipe.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
