White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, perfect for any occasion from cozy family dinners to game day gatherings. The creamy texture combined with tender chicken and zesty spices makes it irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chili Base
• For Creaminess and Texture
• For Protein
• For Freshness
• Optional Toppings
• How to Make White Chicken Chili
• Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
• Step 2: Simmer the Broth
• Step 3: Puree the Beans (Optional)
• Step 4: Add Cheese and Beans
• Step 5: Finish the Chili
• Step 6: Serve Hot
• How to Serve White Chicken Chili
• Classic Toppings
• Accompaniments
• Serving Suggestions
• How to Perfect White Chicken Chili
• Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing White Chicken Chili
• Reheating White Chicken Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes White Chicken Chili different from traditional chili?
• Can I make White Chicken Chili vegetarian?
• How do I spice up my White Chicken Chili?
• What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?
• Can I use other types of beans in my White Chicken Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: This White Chicken Chili is rich and filling, offering a warm embrace on chilly nights.
• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful Spices: A blend of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper elevates the flavor profile, creating a unique taste experience.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your chili with toppings like tortilla chips or avocado for added texture and flavor.
• Family-Friendly Meal: This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process smoother, gather your tools before getting started. Having everything at hand will help you focus on creating this delicious White Chicken Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Food processor (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This is essential for sautéing ingredients and simmering the chili evenly.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing in all those tasty flavors.

Ingredients

For the Chili Base

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Creaminess and Texture

• 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
• 1 ¼ cups frozen or fresh corn
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

For Protein

• 2 ½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken

For Freshness

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Optional Toppings

• Tortilla chips or strips
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced avocado

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How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
Then add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Stir in the chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, along with salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Puree the Beans (Optional)

While the soup is simmering, drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
Measure out 1 cup of beans and set the rest aside.
Puree this cup of beans with ¼ cup of broth from the soup in a food processor until smooth.
If you don’t have a food processor, you can skip this step; however, note that it may be less creamy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Beans

Stir in the Neufchatel cheese cubes, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans into the pot.
Mix until the cheese melts completely into the soup.

Step 5: Finish the Chili

Add in shredded chicken along with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your White Chicken Chili hot with optional toppings such as Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips for extra crunch!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or at a gathering, the right toppings and sides can elevate this creamy soup to new heights.

Classic Toppings

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding a rich, creamy texture.
• Sliced Avocado: Adds creaminess and a fresh flavor that balances the spices.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness and enhances the chili’s flavors.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips offer a delightful contrast to the smooth chili.

Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime adds acidity that brightens the dish.
• Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy, it complements the flavors well.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

• In Bread Bowls: Serve in hollowed-out bread rolls for a fun presentation.
• With Rice: Serve over rice for a heartier meal that stretches the chili further.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Creating the perfect White Chicken Chili involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your chili is comforting and flavorful every time.

• Bold Spices: Don’t be shy with spices; they are essential for depth of flavor in your chili.
• Creamy Texture: Use Neufchatel cheese for creaminess without too many calories; it’s lighter than regular cream cheese.
• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs like cilantro to enhance flavor compared to dried options.
• Chicken Quality: Use high-quality rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken thighs for more flavor than breast meat alone.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best flavor balance.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the chili sit for an hour allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

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Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create an inviting meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the chili.
2. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch as a counterbalance.
3. Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices, this rice adds substance and absorbs some of the delicious broth.
4. Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole complements the chili while adding healthy fats.
5. Jalapeño Poppers: Spicy and cheesy, these make an exciting appetizer before digging into your chili.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies bring additional flavors and nutrients to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your White Chicken Chili to a new level of deliciousness.

• Using low-quality chicken: Choose fresh or high-quality rotisserie chicken for the best flavor. Lower-quality options may result in a bland dish.
• Skipping the seasoning: Always taste and adjust your spices. Insufficient seasoning can lead to a lackluster chili.
• Not sautéing the onion and garlic: Sautéing releases their flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the chili. Don’t rush this step!
• Ignoring the creaminess factor: Pureeing some beans adds creaminess. Skipping this can result in a less satisfying texture.
• Overcooking the chili: Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooking can lead to mushy ingredients, especially with beans.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating.
• Label containers with date for easy tracking.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the chili expands when frozen.
• Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy thawing.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes White Chicken Chili different from traditional chili?

White Chicken Chili uses white beans and chicken instead of red meat and kidney beans, giving it a lighter flavor while still being hearty.

Can I make White Chicken Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute shredded chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or jackfruit, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I spice up my White Chicken Chili?

You can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice preference!

What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Top your chili with Monterey Jack cheese, avocado slices, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Can I use other types of beans in my White Chicken Chili?

Certainly! While cannellini beans are traditional, you can also use navy beans or great northern beans for variety.

Final Thoughts

This creamy and flavorful White Chicken Chili is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. With its comforting elements and customizable toppings, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or toppings to make this dish uniquely yours!

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