This White Chicken Chili is a warm, comforting dish made with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of spice. It’s perfect for those chilly nights!
What I love most is how easy it is to make; just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. It’s a cozy hug in a bowl—grab some bread and enjoy! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing as it provides a nice flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to use canola or vegetable oil instead. Butter can work too, giving a richer taste!
Onion: This adds great depth to the chili. Yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness, but white or red onions can be used if that’s what you have.
Jalapeños: These add a spicy kick! If you prefer milder heat, you can use fewer jalapeños or even omit them. Try bell peppers for sweetness instead.
White Beans: Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect for this recipe. You could swap in chickpeas if you want something different, though the texture will be a bit firmer.
Sour Cream vs. Greek Yogurt: Both add creaminess! If you’re looking to cut fat, Greek yogurt is a great option. For a tangy touch, use sour cream.
How Do You Make Creamy Chili Without Curdling the Dairy?
To achieve that creamy texture without curdling, it’s important to heat the dairy gently. Here’s how to do it:
- After simmering, lower the heat to medium-low before adding cream cheese and sour cream.
- Whisk the cream cheese until smooth before adding it to the pot to help it melt evenly.
- Always avoid boiling once dairy is added as high heat can cause it to curdle.
By following these steps, your chili will be creamy and delicious every time!
White Chicken Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2-3 chicken breasts)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (optional)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious White Chicken Chili will take approximately 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it’s softened and slightly translucent. This step builds a great flavor base for your chili!
2. Add Garlic and Jalapeños:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and jalapeños (if using). Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the wonderful aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen!
3. Spice It Up:
Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder. Cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices – this really enhances their flavor!
4. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the shredded chicken, white beans, corn (if using), and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Simmer and Blend Flavors:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty chili.
6. Add Creaminess:
Once simmering, lower the heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth. Then, stir in the sour cream, warming it gently without boiling to keep everything creamy.
7. Final Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your chili and season it with salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust it to your liking!
8. Serve With Style:
Serve your White Chicken Chili hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Don’t forget to add any optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor!
9. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy the comforting warmth of your homemade White Chicken Chili! Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it to the pot with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
To make this chili vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans or some diced bell peppers for added texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the number of jalapeños or completely omit them. For more heat, consider adding some diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking!
