There is something so comforting about a warm bowl of chili, isn’t there? It just feels like a hug in a bowl. While I love a classic red chili, this White Chicken Chili has a special place in my heart. It is creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of warmth.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to put together. It is one of those fantastic Chicken Dinner Recipes that tastes like you spent hours on it. But really, it is a straightforward meal perfect for a busy weeknight. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is incredible. The combination of green chiles, cumin, and creamy cheeses creates a rich and satisfying taste. It is not too spicy, but it has a wonderful depth that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.
It is also a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. If you have some cooked chicken on hand, this recipe is a great way to give it a new life. This is one of my favorite Shredded Chicken Recipes because it is so forgiving and delicious.
The texture is another big win. The soup is thick and creamy thanks to the cream cheese and Mexican blend cheese. It coats every piece of tender shredded chicken. It is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.
And honestly, it just looks so good in a bowl. That creamy white color with flecks of green and savory chicken is just so inviting. You can top it with your favorite garnishes to make it your own. It is a true crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 small Yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 4 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 four ounce can Green chiles (diced and drained)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese (at room temperature, cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese (shredded)
- 4 cups Shredded chicken
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté The Aromatics
First, grab a Dutch oven or a large pot. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it is warm, add the diced yellow onion. You will want to sauté the onion for about five to seven minutes. The goal is to get it soft and translucent.
Next, it is time for the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute or two. You will know it is ready when you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 2: Build The Broth
Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. This is where the creamy base of our White Chicken Chili begins. Add in the drained green chiles, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. Give it all a good stir.
Season with sea salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium and let it simmer. You will let it simmer for about 40 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and the soup to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. It is time for the cheese! Add the cream cheese pieces and the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir everything continuously until all the cheese has melted completely. The soup should be wonderfully smooth and creamy now.
Step 4: Add The Chicken
The final step is to add the star of the show, the shredded chicken. Stir it into the creamy soup base. Let the White Chicken Chilli simmer for about five more minutes. This will heat the chicken through and allow the chili to thicken up just a little more.
Give it a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Now your amazing chili is ready to serve. This is truly one of the most satisfying Chicken Dinner Recipes you can make. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
Storing leftover White Chicken Chili is very easy. First, let the chili cool down to room temperature. You do not want to put a hot pot directly into your refrigerator. This can raise the temperature inside and affect other foods.
Once cooled, transfer the chili to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you are ready to eat it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. You can also warm it up in the microwave.
Tips
To save time, use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. It is already cooked and seasoned, making it a quick option for this recipe. Just shred the meat and you are good to go. It makes this one of the easiest Shredded Chicken Recipes.
Do not forget the toppings! A great bowl of White Chicken Chilli is made even better with garnishes. Try adding fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or some extra shredded cheese on top.
If you want a thicker chili, you can let it simmer a little longer in step two. Or, you can make a small slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a little cold water. Stir that into the chili while it simmers to help it thicken up.
Conclusion
This White Chicken Chili recipe is a true keeper. It is creamy, flavorful, and so comforting. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them feeling happy and satisfied. A perfect choice from a list of great Chicken Dinner Recipes.
Whether you are making it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it is sure to be a hit. I hope you love this simple and delicious chili as much as I do. Enjoy every spoonful!
FAQ
Can I Make This Chili Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This chili is a great recipe to prepare in advance. The flavors actually meld together and get even better overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it when you are ready to eat.
What Are Some Good Toppings For This Chili?
There are so many great options! Some popular choices include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños. Crushed tortilla chips or strips also add a nice crunch on top of the White Chicken Chili.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the green chiles. The cayenne pepper is optional, so you can leave it out if you prefer no spice. If you want to make it spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños along with the onion.
White Chicken Chili
This creamy White Chicken Chili offers comforting flavor with shredded chicken, green chiles, and savory spices, making it an easy and delicious weeknight meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, grab a Dutch oven or a large pot. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it is warm, add the diced yellow onion. You will want to sauté the onion for about five to seven minutes. The goal is to get it soft and translucent. Next, it is time for the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute or two. You will know it is ready when you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. This is where the creamy base of our White Chicken Chili begins. Add in the drained green chiles, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. Give it all a good stir. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium and let it simmer. You will let it simmer for about 40 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and the soup to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. It is time for the cheese! Add the cream cheese pieces and the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir everything continuously until all the cheese has melted completely. The soup should be wonderfully smooth and creamy now.
- The final step is to add the star of the show, the shredded chicken. Stir it into the creamy soup base. Let the White Chicken Chili simmer for about five more minutes. This will heat the chicken through and allow the chili to thicken up just a little more. Give it a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Now your amazing chili is ready to serve. This is truly one of the most satisfying Chicken Dinner Recipes you can make. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
To save time, use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. It is already cooked and seasoned, making it a quick option for this recipe. Just shred the meat and you are good to go.
Do not forget the toppings! A great bowl of White Chicken Chili is made even better with garnishes. Try adding fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or some extra shredded cheese on top.
If you want a thicker chili, you can let it simmer a little longer in step two. Or, you can make a small slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch and a little cold water. Stir that into the chili while it simmers to help it thicken up.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
