This creamy white chicken chili is a cozy bowl of goodness! With tender chicken, white beans, and a smooth, creamy sauce, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I love serving it with some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. You’re gonna want seconds for sure! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you need a quicker option, try using shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves time!
White Beans: Great Northern or cannellini beans work best, but any white bean will do. If you’re looking to cut carbs, you can use cauliflower. Just cook it until soft, then blend it into the chili!
Cumin and Oregano: These spices add great flavor! If you want a bolder taste, you might try smoked paprika or even add some coriander.
Sour Cream vs. Heavy Cream: Both options create a creamy texture, but sour cream adds a tang. If you’re watching calories, opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Chili?
The key to flavorful chili lies in proper seasoning and layering flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t rush cooking the onions. Let them soften nicely before adding garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Add spices early when the chicken cooks. This helps their flavors bloom and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Let the soup simmer on low heat. Allowing the chili to meld together brings out the best of every ingredient.
- Always adjust the seasoning before serving, as flavors develop and can change during cooking.
Enjoy the warmth and creamy goodness of this chili; it’s sure to be a family favorite!
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, such as Great Northern or cannellini, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (4 ounces each) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For Serving (Optional Garnishes):
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Avocado
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful creamy white chicken chili takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add the Garlic:
Once the onion is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot. Stir the chicken occasionally, cooking until it’s mostly cooked through (but not browned), which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Mixture:
Next, stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper to season the chicken and onion mixture. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Add Beans and Broth:
Now, it’s time to add the white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything very well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, so the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Stir in the Cream:
Reduce the heat to low, and gently stir in the sour cream or heavy cream to create that luscious creamy texture. Heat it through without boiling to avoid curdling.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your chili a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, making it just right for your palate.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh chopped cilantro if you desire for an extra fresh flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy white chicken chili hot in bowls, adding optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Pair it with some crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal!
This creamy white chicken chili is not just delicious, but it’s also a warm embrace in a bowl. Perfect for sharing with family and friends! Enjoy! 🥣
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken are excellent substitutes. Just ensure that any ground meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Yes! To add more heat, you can include additional diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
Can I Freeze Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.