Cozy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Craving a hearty white chicken chili that’s both comforting and packed with flavor?

Warm spices dance through tender chicken and creamy broth, creating a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Beans and green chilies add unexpected depth to this classic southwestern-inspired dish.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this recipe delivers every single time.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one pot.

Robust and satisfying, the chili brings a zesty twist to your regular rotation.

Grab a ladle and get ready to become the dinner hero your family will cheer for!

FAQs

• Is this chili spicy?

The heat level is mild, with a gentle warmth from chili powder and green chilies. You can adjust spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder.

• Can I use different beans?

Absolutely! While white beans work best, you can substitute with cannellini or great northern beans for similar texture and flavor.

• What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even plant-based chicken substitutes can replace the chicken without compromising the dish’s creamy texture.

• Do I need fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro adds brightness and depth, but if unavailable, you can skip it or use dried cilantro. The chili will still taste delicious.

What Makes This Creamy White Chicken Chili Special

• Savor Speedy Preparation: This chili comes together quickly with minimal chopping and straightforward cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize with Comfort: The recipe offers flexibility for personalization, allowing home chefs to adjust spice levels, add extra toppings like sour cream or avocado, and make it suit individual taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Protein Powerhouse: Packed with tender chicken and creamy white beans, this chili delivers a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Cozy One-Pot Wonder: Requiring just a single pot for cooking, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup and provides maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a smart choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients That Make the Creamy Chicken Chili Stand Out

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the primary protein base for the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth and moisture to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory flavor and aromatic base.
• Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a warm and complex flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the creamy consistency of the chili.
• Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and additional flavor complexity.
• White Beans: Provides extra protein, texture, and bulk to the chili.

Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Chili Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Warm a large pot over medium heat.

Add olive oil, then gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add chicken to the pot and season with ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.

Break up the chicken with a wooden spoon and cook until golden brown and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Chili Foundation

Stir in diced green chilies, white beans, and chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Lower the heat and add cream cheese and heavy cream.

Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, creating a rich, velvety chili.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touches

Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Creamy Texture

• Pick tender, boneless chicken breasts for the most succulent texture in your chili.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version of the dish.
• Enhance flavor by using fresh garlic and roasting spices briefly before adding other ingredients.
• For extra heat, include diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes during cooking.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or additional white beans.

Flavor Variations to Customize Your Chili

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with white beans, tofu, or tempeh, using vegetable broth and adding extra spices for depth of flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and include roasted poblano peppers for a more intense heat level.
• Lean Protein Boost: Use ground turkey instead of chicken, and add quinoa for additional protein and nutritional value.

Pairing Suggestions for a Comforting Meal

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chili in large, deep bowls surrounded by warm cornbread or crusty sourdough slices for soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
• Fiesta Toppings Bar: Create an interactive meal by setting out small bowls of fresh toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, shredded pepper jack cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and extra chopped cilantro so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Comforting Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for an easy lunch at work or quick weeknight dinner. The flavors develop beautifully when stored in the refrigerator, making this chili taste even better the next day.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy White Chicken Chili

• Refrigerate leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for maximum 2-3 months, labeling the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheat refrigerated chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
• When thawing frozen chili, place in refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Microwave as an alternative, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Perfect White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired white chicken chili delights palates with its rich, hearty blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and aromatic spices. Comfort and warmth welcome you through each satisfying spoonful of this soul-soothing dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern)
• 4 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) green chilies
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce cubed chicken to the pot, seasoning with cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken develops a golden-brown exterior and is nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Incorporate diced green chilies, white beans, and chicken broth into the mixture. Reduce heat and allow the chili to simmer gently, developing flavors for 12-15 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and fold in cream cheese, breaking it down and stirring continuously until completely melted and integrated into the liquid.
5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to create a smooth, velvety consistency. Let the chili gently simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to thicken.
6. Remove from heat and brighten the flavors by squeezing fresh lime juice into the chili. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize the flavor profile for health-conscious eaters.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, ensuring even cooking and tender meat throughout the dish.
• Roast fresh green chilies instead of canned for a smokier, more intense flavor that elevates the overall complexity of the chili.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg