White Chicken Chili

This creamy and hearty White Chicken Chili is a comforting twist on traditional chili. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, it features tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and a delightful creaminess from Neufchatel cheese. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it can be with your favorite toppings.

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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 Base
• For the Spices
• For the Creaminess
• For the Body
• 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
• How to Serve White Chicken Chili
• Toppings
• Bread Pairings
• Side Salads
• How to Perfect White Chicken Chili
• Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing White Chicken Chili
• Reheating White Chicken Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is White Chicken Chili?
• Can I use different types of cheese in White Chicken Chili?
• How do I customize my White Chicken Chili?
• Is White Chicken Chili healthy?
• Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: The blend of spices and creamy cheese creates a warm and inviting dish.
• Quick preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile toppings: Customize your bowl with tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, or fresh avocado for added texture.
• Great for meal prep: This chili stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this mild yet flavorful chili!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Food processor (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing ingredients and simmering the chili evenly.
• Cutting board & knife: A stable surface and sharp knife are crucial for efficiently chopping your onion and garlic.
• Food processor: Helps create a creamy texture by pureeing beans if desired, though it’s optional.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Spices

• 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 the Creaminess

• 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes

For the Body

• 1 ¼ cups frozen or fresh corn
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 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, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Puree the Beans (Optional)

While the soup simmers, drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Measure out 1 cup of beans; set aside the rest. Puree this cup with ¼ cup of broth from the soup in a food processor until smooth. Skipping this step is okay; it just affects creaminess.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Beans

Stir in the Neufchatel cheese cubes, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese melts. Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Chili

Add in the shredded chicken, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Taste your chili to adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili is a great way to enhance its comforting flavors and textures. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.

Toppings

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Grate fresh cheese on top for a melty, creamy addition.
• Sliced Avocado: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and creaminess that complements the chili perfectly.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle some cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
• Tortilla Chips or Strips: For added crunch, serve with crispy tortilla chips or strips.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: A nice loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the chili.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring a lovely contrast to the savory chili.

Side Salads

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens can balance the richness of the chili.
• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This corn salad adds a sweet and zesty flavor that pairs well with the chili.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili can elevate it from good to great. Follow these tips for an amazing dish.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked shredded chicken not only saves time but also adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak spices like cumin and cayenne for your desired heat level.
• Add Fresh Ingredients: Consider adding fresh lime juice just before serving for a zesty kick.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety in texture and taste.
• Allow It to Rest: Letting the chili sit for a bit after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Garnish Creatively: Don’t be afraid to experiment with garnishes; pickled jalapeños or sour cream can add complexity.

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Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with White Chicken Chili can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that will complement this hearty meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter adds crunch and flavor.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can serve as a great base for scooping up chili.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm chili.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add a smoky depth that pairs nicely with chili.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make for an interesting side, adding more substance to your meal.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese are perfect for dipping into your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: If using raw chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the chili. Undercooked chicken can lead to health risks.
• Ignoring the Seasoning: Not seasoning your broth properly can result in bland chili. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and spices.
• Skipping the Puree Step: Omitting the bean puree may make your chili less creamy. Take a moment to blend part of the beans for that rich texture.
• Choosing the Wrong Beans: Using different beans can alter the taste and texture of your dish. Stick with cannellini beans for the best results.
• Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time: Rushing through the simmering process can affect flavor depth. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• White Chicken Chili will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, white beans, and seasonings that provide warmth and comfort.

Can I use different types of cheese in White Chicken Chili?

Yes! While Neufchatel cheese adds creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese or even shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

How do I customize my White Chicken Chili?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. Adjust spices according to your heat preference as well!

Is White Chicken Chili healthy?

Yes! With lean chicken and beans, this dish is packed with protein and fiber while being lower in fat than traditional beef chili.

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after resting. Just store it properly and reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This creamy White Chicken Chili is not just comforting; it’s also versatile and easy to adapt based on your preferences. Feel free to experiment with toppings or additional ingredients like corn or peppers. Try making this delightful dish today!