Introduction
creamy white chicken chili with salsa verde, There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm, creamy, and flavorful White Chicken Chili. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to impress your family, this recipe delivers a rich and satisfying taste in just 30 minutes. Unlike traditional chili, which is tomato-based, White Chicken Chili features tender chicken, white beans, mild spices, and a creamy texture. The result? A deliciously thick and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. So, let’s dive into this easy yet incredible recipe!
Ingredients
1x | 2x | 4x (Adjust according to servings)
Key Ingredients:
Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (2x: 2 lbs, 4x: 4 lbs)
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons for sautéing (2x: 6 tbsp, 4x: 12 tbsp)
Veggies: 1 white onion (diced), 4 ribs celery (diced), 1 bell pepper (diced)
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced (2x: 8 cloves, 4x: 16 cloves)
Spices: 2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Canned Ingredients: 2 cans diced green chilies, 3 (15-ounce) cans of cannellini beans (drained)
Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned (drained)
Chicken Broth: 4 cups, preferably low sodium (2x: 8 cups, 4x: 16 cups)
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, cubed (2x: 16 oz, 4x: 32 oz)
Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish
How to Make White Chicken Chili (Step-by-Step Guide)
Total Time: 30 Minutes
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken (5 Minutes)
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies (7 Minutes)
Add diced white onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot.
Stir occasionally and let them cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices (90 Seconds)
Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Cook for 90 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Beans, Chilies, Corn, and Broth (10 Minutes)
Add diced green chilies, white beans, corn, and chicken broth.
Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Let it cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make It Creamy (2 Minutes)
Turn off the heat.
Stir in cubed cream cheese and mix until fully melted and incorporated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Make White Chicken Chili Moist and Flavorful
To ensure your chicken stays moist and tender, follow these tips:
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs provide extra juiciness.
Sauté the chicken at medium-high heat to lock in flavor.
Add cream cheese at the end to maintain a rich, creamy texture.
Use low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning.
Let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving—it enhances the flavors.
10 Test Kitchen Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
Sauté the spices with garlic to deepen the flavors.
Mash a portion of the beans before adding them to create a naturally thickened chili.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream.
Prefer a spicier kick? Increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for brightness.
Top with shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla strips for extra texture.
Use a slow cooker for a hands-free version—cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Stir frequently when adding cream cheese to avoid clumps.
Store leftovers properly (see below) to retain flavor and texture.
How to Store White Chicken Chili
Refrigerate: Allow chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Can You Freeze White Chicken Chili?
Yes! White Chicken Chili freezes beautifully.
How to Freeze: Let the chili cool completely. Store in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 3 months.
Thawing & Reheating: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop.
Tip: Freeze in individual portions for easy meal prep!
Nonvegkahani Community Tips and Praise
⭐ Rahul K: “I’ve made this recipe three times already! It’s the creamiest white chili I’ve ever had. I added extra cumin and used rotisserie chicken—turned out amazing!”
⭐ Ananya M: “The spices were perfect—not too overpowering. My family loved it! I served it with garlic bread and it was a hit!”
⭐ Vikram S: “This is now my go-to winter dish. I made it in my slow cooker and added shredded cheese on top. Perfect comfort food!”
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can substitute sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream for a similar creamy texture.
3. How can I make this dish spicier? Add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the heat.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! Replace cream cheese with coconut cream or dairy-free sour cream.
5. What should I serve with White Chicken Chili? Pair it with tortilla chips, cornbread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
Best YouTube Video Tutorial
📺 Watch this step-by-step video: Best White Chicken Chili Recipe (Insert actual video link here)