White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends and family. With its thick and creamy texture, packed with shredded chicken, white beans, and corn, this chili offers just the right amount of spice. It’s an easy dish to prepare ahead of time and is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a crowd-pleaser at your next event, this chili is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 35 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese makes this chili ultra-thick and creamy.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with chips, avocado, lime wedges, or salsa for added flavor and fun.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers easily for quick meals later on.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s as nutritious as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make this delicious chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or soup pot
• Cutting board
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or soup pot: This is perfect for simmering the chili evenly and keeping all the flavors locked in.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures that your chicken reaches a safe temperature for optimal taste and safety.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for shredding your chicken efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like cornstarch and water if you choose to thicken your chili further.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19oz or 591ml)
– 1 can sweet corn, drained (12oz or 341ml)
– 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
– 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (125g)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
– 1 tablespoon water (optional)
– Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos, for serving)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Check with a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot onto a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Stir these cubes into the pot until they melt. Cover again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to your simmering chili and stir well.

Step 6: Serve Your Chili

Serve your delicious White Chicken Chili with your choice of toppings such as additional hot sauce, chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos—whatever suits your taste!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

Serving White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal, making it more exciting and flavorful. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Toppings

• Avocado – Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and a fresh taste.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens up the chili and balances flavors.
• Salsa – Fresh salsa brings a burst of flavor and texture.
• Cheese – Shredded cheese melts beautifully on top for added richness.
• Jalapenos – Sliced jalapenos give an extra kick for those who love spice.
• Chips – Serve with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.

In Bread Bowls

• Bread Bowls – Hollowed-out bread loaves make fun edible bowls that soak up the delicious chili.

As a Dip

• Chili Dip – Serve the chili as a dip with tortilla chips for a casual gathering.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To make sure your White Chicken Chili turns out creamy and flavorful, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh chicken and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder and hot sauce based on your heat preference.
• Blend for Creaminess – For an ultra-smooth texture, blend a portion of the chili before serving.
• Let It Sit – Allowing it to sit for a few minutes after cooking enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Garnish Generously – Don’t skimp on toppings; they can transform your dish into something extraordinary.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Cornbread – Sweet or savory cornbread complements the chili’s flavors perfectly.
2. Garden Salad – A light salad with fresh greens balances the richness of the chili.
3. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf provides a great base that absorbs the chili’s flavors.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers add a fun presentation alongside your bowl of chili.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies bring an earthy touch to your meal.
6. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with leftover chili for an easy meal option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can take your White Chicken Chili recipe from good to great. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong type of chicken or beans can alter the flavor. Stick to boneless, skinless chicken breasts and white kidney beans for the best results.
• Bold Skipping the Broth: Neglecting chicken broth for water will dilute the chili’s flavor. Always use low-sodium chicken broth to enhance taste without excess salt.
• Bold Overcooking Chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and remove it promptly.
• Bold Ignoring Cream Cheese: Forgetting to let cream cheese soften can lead to lumps in your chili. Ensure it is at room temperature before adding it to the pot.
• Bold Not Tasting Before Serving: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to bland chili. Always taste your dish before serving and adjust spices as necessary.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It remains good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F, place chili in a covered dish, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high in 1-minute increments, stirring between each until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

How do I make this White Chicken Chili recipe spicier?

To add more heat, include extra green chiles or jalapeños according to your taste preference.

Can I substitute other beans?

Yes, you can use black beans or pinto beans if you prefer. Just make sure they are drained and rinsed.

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Great toppings include avocado, lime wedges, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spices according to your palate. It’s perfect for meal prep and is freezer friendly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks ahead!