White Chicken Chili

What Makes This Recipe a Favorite

White chicken chili offers a creamy texture and comforting taste. It combines tender chicken with beans and green chilies for a flavorful dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a satisfying meal for any occasion.

The cooking method ensures that all the flavors blend beautifully, creating a rich, hearty chili. This dish keeps well and can be made ahead of time. For more delicious options, try recipes like classic chili or chicken tortilla soup.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This recipe uses common ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you need:

• Olive oil: Use it to sauté the vegetables and add flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Chicken broth: Forms the base of the chili for a rich taste.
• Green chilies: Bring heat and a touch of earthiness.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, smoky flavor to the mix.
• Cayenne pepper: Offers a spicy kick, adjust to your taste.
• Paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and rich color.
• Oregano: Enhances the flavor profile with herbal notes.
• Lime juice: Brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
• Canned beans: A mix of white beans for creaminess and protein.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the chili.
• Sour cream: Stir in for a creamy finish at the end.
• Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken for heartiness.

Measurements are in the recipe card.

How to Make This White Chicken Chili

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious bowl of chili.

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This helps release its flavor into the dish.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth, and add green chilies, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine everything well.

Step 4: Prepare Beans
Drain and rinse the canned beans in a strainer. This removes excess sodium and preserves the flavor.

Step 5: Blend Beans (Optional)
Take a big ladleful of the beans and add them to a food processor with a splash of broth. Puree until smooth for a creamier chili.

Step 6: Simmer the Chili
Add the pureed beans, whole beans, and corn back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and cooked chicken. Garnish with cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and tortilla chips as desired.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips for the best results with this dish.

1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances the overall flavor.
2. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more spices if you like it spicier.
3. Let it simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer melds the flavors wonderfully.
4. Make-ahead option: Prepare this chili a day in advance for even better flavor.
5. Proper storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Food processor
• Strainer
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Variations

Feel free to try these fun variations.

• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with more beans and vegetables.
• Add more vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Spicy version: Use jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Creamy style: Stir in cream cheese for an even richer texture.
• Taco-flavored: Add taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chili with these great sides.

• Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips make a perfect dipper.
• Rice: Serve over rice for a filling meal.
• Cornbread: A warm slice complements the chili well.
• Salad: A light side salad adds freshness.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances the flavors and textures.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken can be used. Just ensure it cooks fully.

How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can last in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, you can freeze white chicken chili for up to three months in airtight containers.

What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream.

Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free using beans and broth without added gluten.

White Chicken Chili

A creamy and comforting dish combining tender chicken, beans, and green chilies with rich flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil Use it to sauté the vegetables and add flavor.
• 1 medium Onion, chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced Provides aromatic flavor to the dish.
• 4 cups Chicken broth Forms the base of the chili for a rich taste.
• 1 can Green chilies Bring heat and a touch of earthiness.

For the Spices

• 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds a warm, smoky flavor to the mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Offers a spicy kick, adjust to your taste.
• 1 teaspoon Paprika Contributes mild sweetness and rich color.
• 1 teaspoon Oregano Enhances the flavor profile with herbal notes.
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice Brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.

For the Chili

• 2 cans Canned beans, drained and rinsed A mix of white beans for creaminess and protein.
• 1 cup Corn Adds sweetness and texture to the chili.
• 1 cup Sour cream Stir in for a creamy finish at the end.
• 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced For heartiness.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, cayenne, paprika, oregano, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
4. Drain and rinse the canned beans in a strainer.
5. Take a big ladleful of the beans and puree them in a food processor with a splash of broth for a creamier chili.
6. Add the pureed beans, whole beans, and corn back into the pot, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and cooked chicken. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste. Allow the chili to simmer for best results.