Description

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, white beans, mild spices, and savory broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hearty yet light chili offers a rich texture and balanced flavors suitable for all spice preferences. Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s a nourishing and versatile meal ideal for weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breast or thighs

Beans

2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or Great Northern white beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Liquids

4 cups chicken broth

Spices

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Creamy Elements (Optional)

1/2 cup cream or 4 oz cream cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast or thighs until fully cooked and tender. You can either simmer the chicken in chicken broth for added flavor or pan-sear for more texture. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, forming the flavor base for the chili.
Add Spices and Chilies: Stir in the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and diced green chilies. Mix well to release their flavors and build a warm, appetizing foundation.
Combine Beans and Broth: Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld together.
Stir in Chicken and Cream: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. For a creamy texture, gently fold in the cream or cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and luscious.
Simmer and Serve: Let the chili simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, giving time for the flavors to develop fully. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve warm with your choice of garnishes and sides.

Notes

Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Don’t over-spice; keep flavors balanced to highlight the chicken and beans.
Shred chicken while warm for easier mixing into the chili.
Adjust thickness by adding broth if too thick, or simmering uncovered if too thin.
Let the chili rest for 10 minutes off heat to deepen the flavors before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soups and Stews
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, comforting soup, mild chili, healthy chili, easy dinner