Cozy Up with This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
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The first time I tasted white chicken chili was at a local chili cook-off. It was rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—unforgettable. I asked the chef for the recipe, but they kept it under wraps. Determined to recreate it, I went home and started experimenting. This recipe is my result, and it’s close to perfect.
Try this creamy white chicken chili recipe and see if it becomes a favorite in your home too!
Key Takeaways
- Creamy and Flavorful: A rich, flavorful chili perfect for cozy nights.
- Simple and Quick: Works well in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Packed with Goodness: Shredded chicken, creamy broth, and fragrant spices.
- Easily Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
What makes White Chicken Chili different ?
White chicken chili takes the essence of classic chili and gives it a unique twist. Instead of beef and tomato, it uses tender chicken and creamy white beans in a comforting broth. The result is a lighter, yet satisfying, meal suitable for any night of the week. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with toppings and spices.
Benefits of a Creamy White Chili
- Lighter Option: Compared to traditional beef chili, white chicken chili feels lighter, making it a good choice for weeknights.
- Creamy Texture: Adding cream or milk gives it a velvety texture that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Rich, Flavorful Broth: Spices, herbs, and chicken broth combine for a flavorful base that tastes even better the next day.
- Highly Customizable: Serve it with toppings like crumbled queso fresco, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla strips.
Tools and Ingredients to Make White Chicken Chili
- Essential Tools: A slow cooker or a large pot for stovetop cooking, and a good stirring spoon to blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Recommended Ingredients:
- White Beans: Look for canned white beans for convenience or dried beans if you have more time.
- Chicken Broth: A rich low-sodium chicken broth brings depth to the flavor without overpowering.
- Cream or Milk: Using a quality cream or milk alternative makes for a thick, indulgent base.
Recipe: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Get ready to dig into a comforting bowl of chili. The recipe is below:
White Chicken Chili
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 Small bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chips, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, corn, and diced green chilies. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly stir the mixture into the pot. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the chili is creamy and well combined.
- Stir in fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime juice.