White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a creamy, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender shredded chicken, white beans, and corn, it brings warmth and comfort to your table. Ideal for meal prep and freezer-friendly, this chili is a fantastic choice for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and cream cheese creates a deliciously thick and creamy texture that elevates the standard chili experience.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with a variety of toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or jalapenos to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This chili can be made ahead of time and freezes well, ensuring you always have a comforting meal ready to go.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fiber-rich beans, this recipe is nutritious while still being satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need to prepare this White Chicken Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or soup pot
• Cutting board
• Forks (for shredding)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or soup pot: This heavy-duty pot retains heat well, allowing for even cooking and simmering of the chili.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for shredding chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Forks: Using two forks helps shred the chicken efficiently without creating too much mess.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.

For the Chili Base

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can white kidney beans (drained and rinsed) (19oz or 591ml)
• 1 can sweet corn (drained) (12oz or 341ml)
• 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Creaminess

• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (125g)

Optional Thickeners

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Serving Suggestions

• Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese or jalapenos)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the chicken should read 165°F.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot to a large cutting board. Shred it using two forks before placing it back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Beans and Veggies

Add the beans, corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir into the pot. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally until melted.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili, in a small bowl stir together cornstarch and water. Add this mixture to your simmering chili.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your White Chicken Chili with additional hot sauce on top along with your favorite toppings such as chips, avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

Serving your White Chicken Chili can enhance its flavor and make it a delightful meal. With various toppings and accompaniments, you can customize each bowl to fit your taste preferences.

Toppings

• Hot Sauce: Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Avocado: Fresh avocado slices add creaminess and richness.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your chili for a zesty flavor boost.
• Salsa: A scoop of salsa brings vibrant flavors and freshness to each serving.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheese on top for added creaminess and taste.
• Jalapenos: For those who love spice, add sliced jalapenos for heat.

Accompaniments

• Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for crunch and texture.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread pairs perfectly with the creamy chili.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a heartier meal option.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To achieve the best version of your White Chicken Chili, consider these simple tips that can elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook and adjust spices to suit your palate; every chili lover has their preference!
• Thicken wisely: If you prefer a thicker chili, use cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer longer.
• Make it ahead: Prepare your chili in advance; the flavors develop beautifully when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.
• Experiment with beans: Try different types of beans like navy or cannellini beans for unique textures and tastes.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and add variety.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal that satisfies all appetites. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread complements the chili’s flavors well. Serve warm with butter for added richness.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for dipping into the chili or enjoying on the side.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chili; serve it alongside chips.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that balances out the creamy chili nicely.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can absorb the delicious broth, making every bite satisfying.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies offer a smoky flavor that pairs well with the chili’s creaminess.
7. Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and is easy to prepare alongside the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your White Chicken Chili recipe to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient selection: Using the wrong type of chicken or beans can alter the flavor. Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and quality white beans for the best results.
• Bold undercooking chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees safety and enhances texture.
• Bold neglecting seasoning: Skipping spices or using insufficient amounts can lead to bland chili. Be generous with seasonings like chili powder and hot sauce to achieve a robust flavor.
• Bold skipping the cream cheese step: Not adding cream cheese will result in a thinner chili. Incorporate it properly for a creamy texture that binds the flavors together.
• Bold ignoring toppings: Serving without toppings can make your dish less appealing. Enhance your chili with favorite toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or jalapenos for extra zest.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool before sealing to preserve freshness.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents before freezing.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in microwave-safe bowls for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this White Chicken Chili recipe that may help enhance your experience.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein options like tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?

The spice level is moderate due to green chiles and hot sauce. Adjust these ingredients if you prefer a milder or spicier version.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook frozen chicken directly in the pot; just increase cooking time slightly until fully cooked.

What should I serve with this White Chicken Chili recipe?

Serve with tortilla chips, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, shredded cheese, or jalapenos for added flavor and texture.

How do I thicken my White Chicken Chili recipe?

If you want a thicker consistency, add cornstarch mixed with water during cooking or let it simmer longer uncovered.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences by adjusting spices or adding different toppings. It’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a comforting dish ready when needed. We encourage you to try making it today!