If you are searching for a comforting yet fresh twist on a classic favorite, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is sure to win your heart. It’s a creamy, flavorful dish that balances tender chicken, aromatic spices, and wholesome beans in a way that feels both cozy and exciting. This chili is perfect for warming up chilly evenings or impressing friends with a bowl of something hearty but different. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the perfect harmony of creamy texture and subtle heat, making it an instant go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to creating this delicious White Chicken Chili Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, bringing layers of flavor and texture that make the dish truly special and satisfying.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that shreds beautifully and soaks up all the spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding just the right touch of richness.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy and hearty beans that contribute to the chili’s smooth texture.
- 1 can diced green chilies: Provides mild heat and a fresh, tangy kick.
- 32 ounces chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that ties everything together and keeps it soupy just right.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Earthy warmth that is essential in any chili.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds subtle herbal undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle smoky spiciness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the spices.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the chili luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Freshness and color that brighten the whole dish.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your chicken breasts and let them brown evenly on all sides. This step locks in their juices and builds flavor right from the start. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the chicken should have a beautiful golden crust. Remove it from the pot and set it aside to rest while you continue.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same pot, toss in the chopped onions. Allow them to cook until they become translucent and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This sweetness will add a wonderful base for your chili. Follow with the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant—around 1 to 2 minutes—being careful not to burn it, or you’ll lose the delicate flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift all the flavorful browned bits left behind from the chicken and onions. These little morsels are pure gold for flavor richness and give your chili incredible depth.
Step 4: Reintroduce Chicken and Add Beans
Now, slice your browned chicken into bite-sized pieces and put it back into the pot. Add the drained white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so all those fabulous flavors begin mingling.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, giving it a chance for the chicken to cook through and the flavors to marry. Stir every now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 6: Creamy Finish
To create the signature creaminess of this White Chicken Chili Recipe, stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and fresh cilantro. Let everything come together with a final simmer of 10 minutes, which will thicken the chili and infuse it with a luscious texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—this is your chance to make it perfect.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Your White Chicken Chili Recipe is now ready to serve steaming hot! Whether you ladle it straight into bowls or dress it up with garnishes, the taste is always heartwarming and memorable.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your chili can elevate it to next-level deliciousness. Consider a sprinkle of shredded cheese, some freshly chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. For an extra pop of color and texture, add sliced avocado or a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top. These little touches not only add flavor but also a delightful contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
White Chicken Chili shines when paired with the right sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully. Warm cornbread or crusty bread makes a fantastic companion for sopping up every last bit of chili. You can also serve it alongside rice or quinoa for a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the chili in mini bread bowls or large tortilla chips arranged as bowls. You can also turn it into a chili nacho platter by layering the chili over tortilla chips and topping with cheese and jalapeños, baked until bubbly. Hosting a casual gathering? Set up a white chicken chili bar with all your favorite garnishes and let everyone customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Chicken Chili stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the chili taste even better the next day. Just make sure to cool it down before sealing to keep it fresh.
Freezing
This chili freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for a busy day. Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your White Chicken Chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it’s too thick after refrigerating or freezing. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating and keep that wonderful velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this White Chicken Chili Recipe even quicker to prepare without sacrificing flavor. Just add the chicken during the simmer step and proceed as usual.
Is this chili spicy?
This recipe is designed to be mild with a gentle warmth from the green chilies and chili powder. If you like more heat, you can add jalapeños or increase the chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the sour cream and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives such as coconut yogurt and coconut cream. This will keep the chili creamy while accommodating dietary preferences.
What kind of beans can I use aside from white beans?
While white beans are traditional and give this chili its signature creaminess, you can try cannellini, navy, or great northern beans as alternatives. Just make sure to rinse and drain them well.
Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Start by browning the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding sour cream and cream at the end to maintain the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests with its unique comforting flavors, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this chili your own with your favorite garnishes and spice levels. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
Print
White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup/Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and hearty White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken breasts, white beans, and a blend of spices to create a comforting dish perfect for any season. The addition of sour cream, heavy cream, and fresh cilantro enriches the chili with a smooth texture and fresh flavors, making it a delicious twist on traditional chili recipes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Garnishes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest for further cooking.
- Sauté the onion: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aroma.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor.
- Prepare chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return them to the pot.
- Add remaining ingredients: Incorporate the drained white beans, diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the pot.
- Combine ingredients: Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly throughout the chili base.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add creamy elements: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and chopped cilantro.
- Final simmer: Let the chili simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the chili and adjust salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
- Serve: Serve the white chicken chili hot, garnished with additional cilantro or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy green chili variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure chicken broth and any additional toppings are certified gluten-free.
- For a thicker chili, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors.
- Substitute sour cream and heavy cream with Greek yogurt and evaporated milk for a lighter version.
