White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting dish perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in. With its creamy broth featuring cream cheese, green chilies, and tender shredded chicken, it’s both satisfying and delicious. Easy to prepare on the stove or in a Crock Pot, this dish combines simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just over an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives the chili a rich and creamy consistency that elevates the flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the chili by adding your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is both filling and nutritious.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this White Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender or food processor (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups and stews evenly without burning.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring even cooking.
• Blender or food processor: Useful for blending beans to thicken the chili if desired.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili recipe is easy to make on the Stove Top or in the Crock Pot! The broth has the BEST creamy white broth with cream cheese, green chilies, corn, shredded chicken, and simple seasonings.

Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon each: ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon each: black pepper, cayenne pepper
– 1 pinch red pepper flakes
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 yellow onion (diced)
– 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1/3 cup half and half ((half milk, half cream))
– 2 (15.5 oz.) cans cannellini beans (drained)
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 2 (4 oz.) cans mild green chilies (undrained)
– 1 ½ lbs. bone-in skinless chicken breast (see notes)
– Salt/Pepper
– 1 (15.25 oz.) can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can sub frozen corn)
– 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
– Lime wedges, Diced Avocado, Sour cream, Tortilla Strips, Fritos, Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese.

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Prepare your Seasonings

Combine the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside. This blend will add depth to your chili.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
* Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper. Cook for about five minutes until softened.
* Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Create the Base

Add flour to the pot and toss everything to coat.
* Cook for about two minutes to remove raw flour smell.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth

Gradually add chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
* Slowly stir in half-and-half until fully combined.

Step 5: Blend Optional Beans

(Optional) Reserve one heaping cup of drained beans.
* Combine it with half a cup of broth in your blender until smooth.
* Return blended mixture along with remaining whole beans back to the pot.

Step 6: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in seasonings along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies.
* Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for fifteen minutes.

Step 7: Cook Chicken

Season each side of chicken with salt and pepper before adding it to the pot along with corn.
* Let everything simmer gently uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Step 8: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through, remove chicken from pot.
* Shred it using two forks then return it back into the chili.

Step 9: Finish with Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low before stirring in softened cream cheese slowly until fully melted into the chili.

Step 10: Taste Test

Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed before serving with cornbread!

This White Chicken Chili is sure to be a hit at your table! Enjoy its warmth on chilly days or serve it up at gatherings; it’s versatile enough for any occasion!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Toppings

• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the chili’s spice.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens flavors and adds freshness.
• Sour Cream: This cooling addition contrasts beautifully with the heat of the chili.
• Tortilla Strips or Fritos: For crunch, sprinkle some tortilla strips or Fritos on top.
• Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: Melted cheese enhances creaminess and flavor.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory chili.
• Rice: Serve over rice for a heartier meal option.
• Salad: A light green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To elevate your White Chicken Chili, consider these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture in your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance flavors significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go; add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat according to your preference.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer for an extended time develops deeper flavors.
• Shred Chicken Well: Shredding chicken into smaller pieces ensures it’s well-distributed throughout the chili.
• Experiment with Beans: Try adding different beans like black beans for variety in texture and taste.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: This sweet bread is a classic pairing that complements the spicy chili wonderfully.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread makes for a delicious side that’s perfect for soaking up broth.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness to balance out the warmth of the chili.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots provide nutrition without overpowering flavors.
5. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or veggies, making them a hearty addition alongside the chili.
6. Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas offer gooey goodness that pairs nicely with each spoonful of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning blend: Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning. Combining chili powder, cumin, oregano, and others enhances flavor. Mix and set aside before cooking.
• Adding chicken too early: If you add chicken too soon, it can become tough. Wait until the broth is simmering gently for 15-20 minutes before adding the chicken.
• Not adjusting thickness: Some may find the chili too thick or too thin. If it’s too thick, add more broth; if too thin, reserve some beans to blend and thicken.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese does not melt well. Always soften it first by letting it sit at room temperature for easier incorporation into the chili.
• Overcooking the corn: Overcooked corn can lose its sweetness and texture. Add canned or frozen corn towards the end of cooking for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili.

Can I make White Chicken Chili spicy?

Yes! You can adjust the spice level by adding more jalapenos or cayenne pepper according to your taste.

What can I substitute for chicken?

For a vegetarian option, consider using beans or cooked lentils instead of chicken for a hearty meal.

How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili?

If your chili is too thin, blend some of the beans with broth and stir them back in to thicken it.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado or tortilla strips. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious flavors!