Have you ever craved something warm, hearty, and comforting, but you’re just a little tired of the same old tomato based chili? I know the feeling. Sometimes you need to shake things up a bit in the kitchen, and that is where this amazing White Chicken Chili comes in to save the day.
This recipe is a wonderfully creamy and savory alternative to its red counterpart. It’s one of those fantastic Chicken Dinner Recipes that feels special but is actually so simple to make. It’s full of tender chicken, soft beans, and a gentle kick of green chiles, all brought together in a rich, creamy broth. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This White Chicken Chili is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and has a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. It feels like a hug in a bowl, which is exactly what you want on a chilly evening.
One of the best things about it is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. That’s a huge win in my book, especially on a busy weeknight.
It’s also such a Unique Chili Recipe. While many people are familiar with traditional chili, this white version often comes as a pleasant surprise. The flavors are bright and savory, with a lovely creaminess from the sour cream and heavy cream that you just don’t get with other chilis.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, and the topping possibilities are endless. Avocado, cilantro, cheese, a squeeze of lime, tortilla strips you name it. It’s a fun way to let everyone customize their own bowl. This is one of those White Chicken Chilli Recipes you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this White Chicken Chili are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s everything you will need to create this delicious meal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 (15.5 ounce) cans great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Step-By-Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious pot of chili. This is one of my favorite Chicken Dinner Recipes because it is so straightforward. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s always a good idea to gather and prepare all your ingredients. Chop your onion and garlic, and cut the chicken into small cubes. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a little step that makes a big difference.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken And Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your cubed chicken, chopped onion, and chopped garlic to the pot. Cook everything, stirring occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. The onion should be soft and fragrant. This step builds the first layer of flavor for your chili.
Step 3: Add Spices And Simmer
Now it’s time to add the rest of the magic. Stir in the drained and rinsed great Northern beans, the chicken broth, and the chopped green chiles. This is where the Unique Chili Recipe really starts to come alive.
Next, add all of your seasonings: the salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors plenty of time to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
After simmering, remove the chili from the heat. This is a very important step because you don’t want the cream to curdle. Stir in the sour cream and heavy whipping cream until they are fully incorporated into the chili. The broth will transform into a rich, velvety texture that is just incredible.
Step 5: Serve And Enjoy
And that’s it! Your delicious, creamy White Chicken Chili is ready. Ladle it into bowls while it’s nice and hot. Now for the fun part: the toppings! Let everyone add their favorites and dig in. I promise this dish will become a family favorite.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the great things about this White Chicken Chili is that the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. The flavors continue to develop as it sits. To store, first let the chili cool down completely to room temperature. This is important for food safety.
Once cooled, transfer the chili to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 or 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling it to keep the creamy texture intact. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
If you want to freeze it for later, you can. However, dairy based soups can sometimes separate a bit when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, I suggest making the chili up to the point before you add the sour cream and heavy cream. Freeze the chili base in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge, reheat it on the stove, and then stir in the cream and sour cream off the heat.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make your White Chicken Chili experience even better. For a shortcut, you can use a rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and add it in with the beans and broth. This is great for those extra busy nights.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. If you like it spicier, add a little extra cayenne pepper or even a chopped jalapeño with the onions. If you prefer it milder, you can use mild green chiles and omit the cayenne. Make it your own!
For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot. Or, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the chili during the last few minutes of simmering.
Topping suggestions really make this dish shine. Some of our favorites are shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of extra sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The lime adds a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness of the chili.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple yet incredibly satisfying White Chicken Chili recipe. It’s one of the best White Chicken Chilli Recipes out there for its ease and fantastic flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling happy and full.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or serving it to guests, this chili is sure to be a hit. It’s a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that proves not all chilis have to be red. I hope you give this Unique Chili Recipe a try and love it as much as we do. Enjoy every spoonful!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free! Just be sure to check that your chicken broth is certified gluten free, as some brands can contain hidden gluten. All the other ingredients are naturally free from gluten.
What Should I Serve With This Chili?
This White Chicken Chili is wonderful on its own, but it’s also great with a side of warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a nice, fresh contrast to the creamy chili.
Can I Use Different Beans?
Absolutely. While Great Northern beans are traditional, you could easily substitute them with cannellini beans or even navy beans. Pinto beans could also work, though they will change the color and flavor slightly. Use what you have on hand!
Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, this is a great recipe for the slow cooker. I would still recommend sautéing the chicken, onion, and garlic on the stovetop first to build flavor. Then, transfer that mixture to the slow cooker and add the beans, broth, chiles, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream just before serving.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
This wonderfully creamy and savory White Chicken Chili is a comforting alternative to traditional red chili, packed with tender chicken, soft beans, and a gentle kick of green chiles in a rich, velvety broth. Easy to make in one pot, it’s a versatile family-friendly meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients: chop onion and garlic, and cut the chicken into small cubes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, chopped onion, and chopped garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until chicken is no longer pink and onion is soft.
- Stir in rinsed great Northern beans, chicken broth, and chopped green chiles. Add salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Remove chili from heat. Stir in the sour cream and heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
For a quick option, use shredded rotisserie chicken; add it with the beans and broth for busy evenings.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño for a spicier kick, or use mild green chiles and omit cayenne for a milder flavor.
If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the pot, or stir in a cornstarch slurry during the final minutes of simmering.
Serving suggestions include shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, an extra dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.
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