White Chicken Chili

This creamy and hearty White Chicken Chili is a comforting twist on traditional chili. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and just the right amount of creaminess from Neufchatel cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table!

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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
• For Protein and Vegetables
• For Freshness
• For Garnish
• 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
• Accompaniments
• 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 make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?
• Is there a vegetarian option for White Chicken Chili?
• How do I spice up my White Chicken Chili?
• Can I use different types of cheese?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy textures makes this chili a warm hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your chili with toppings like tortilla chips, cheese, or avocado to suit your taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing your White Chicken Chili even easier. Here are some essentials you’ll want to have on hand:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking the chili evenly and allowing all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Food processor: Helpful for pureeing beans if you desire a creamier texture in your chili.

Ingredients

This creamy and hearty White Chicken Chili is a comforting twist on traditional chili. Made with tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and a touch of creaminess from Neufchatel cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve it with your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.

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

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

For Protein and Vegetables

• 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

For Garnish

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.
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 to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil then 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; set the rest aside.
Puree the measured 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, it will make the soup less creamy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Beans

Stir in the Neufchatel cheese cubes, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans into the pot.
Stir until the cheese melts completely and all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Chili

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve your warm chili hot with optional toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips on top.

Now you have everything you need to prepare an amazing bowl of White Chicken Chili! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili can elevate your dining experience. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a versatile dish that pairs well with various toppings and sides.

Toppings

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess and flavor.
• Sliced Avocado: Adds a rich, buttery element that balances the spices.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
• Tortilla Chips or Strips: Provides crunch and a delightful contrast to the smooth chili.

Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the chili’s flavors and adds brightness.
• Sour Cream: Offers creaminess and a cooling effect against the spices.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy an extra kick, hot sauce can be drizzled on top.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

To make your White Chicken Chili even better, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Bold Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices according to your taste. More cumin or cayenne can add depth.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh lime juice and herbs will brighten the dish significantly.
• Creamy Texture: Pureeing part of the beans creates a thicker consistency. If you prefer it chunkier, skip this step.
• Flavor Building: Sautéing onion and garlic before adding other ingredients builds a robust base flavor for your chili.

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Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can enhance the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
2. Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice can soak up the chili’s flavors and provide extra substance.
3. Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens offers a crisp contrast to the warm chili.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred veggies add depth and color to your meal.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole brings a refreshing taste that pairs well with spicy flavors.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes provide a hearty side that can be topped with chili as well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but several common mistakes can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry chicken in your chili. To avoid this, use cooked rotisserie chicken or ensure raw chicken is cooked just until tender.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned chili can taste bland. Taste as you go and adjust spices like cumin and cayenne for the best flavor.
• Skipping the Creaminess Step: Not pureeing some beans means missing out on a creamy texture. If you prefer a silky consistency, remember to puree a portion of the beans.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs elevate your chili. Always add fresh cilantro and lime juice before serving for a burst of flavor.
• Rushing the Simmering Process: A quick boil won’t allow flavors to meld. Let your chili simmer for at least 15 minutes to enhance depth.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot 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 and hearty dish made with shredded chicken, beans, spices, and often features ingredients like Neufchatel cheese for creaminess.

Can I make White Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare White Chicken Chili ahead of time. It also tastes better the next day as flavors meld together.

Is there a vegetarian option for White Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with extra beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers while keeping all other ingredients intact.

How do I spice up my White Chicken Chili?

To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or include jalapeños. For additional flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Neufchatel cheese adds creaminess, you can experiment with other cheeses like cream cheese or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe offers warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Its versatility allows customization with various toppings or ingredient swaps based on your preferences. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner!

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