If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, then this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a rich, flavorful chili that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, a touch of spice, and a hint of tangy lime, all brought together in a velvety broth. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish balances smoky, savory, and fresh flavors in every spoonful, making it a beloved classic that’s just as delightful for weeknight dinners as it is for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in the final flavor and texture. For this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe, we rely on fresh aromatics, spices, creamy beans, and hearty chicken to create a bowl brimming with soul-satisfying goodness.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic: Offers a fragrant punch that complements the spices beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory, rich liquid that’s the backbone of the chili.
- Diced green chilies: Bring a mild heat and vibrant color.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the chili with its unmistakable warm earthiness.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle kick to elevate the overall spiciness.
- Dried oregano: Contributes herbal brightness and balance.
- Paprika: Delivers smoky undertones that deepen the flavor.
- Lime juice: Brightens the chili with a fresh, zesty contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and round out every flavor.
- Great northern beans: Provide creamy texture and protein while keeping the chili hearty.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Makes the chili irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and delightful bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The starring protein that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
- Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, green onions, and avocado: Fantastic options for garnishes that add color, texture, and extra flavor layers.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook it until it becomes soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to release its vibrant aroma. This foundational step builds a flavor base that makes the chili pop with every bite.
Step 2: Add Broth and Spices
Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir in the diced green chilies, ground cumin, cayenne, oregano, paprika, and fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients meld beautifully to create a broth that’s both complex and comforting, with layers of smoky, spicy, and tangy notes developing as it simmers.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
Drain and rinse the great northern beans thoroughly. For a luxuriously creamy texture, reserve a portion of the beans and blend them with a little bit of broth until smooth. Mixing whole and pureed beans into the pot gives this chili its signature richness without any heaviness.
Step 4: Simmer with Corn and Beans
Add both the whole and pureed beans along with the corn to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes. This step melds all the flavors and allows the chili to thicken slightly, while the corn adds pops of subtle sweetness and texture.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Chicken
Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt along with the shredded cooked chicken. The cream adds lusciousness to the chili, while the chicken keeps the dish hearty and protein-packed. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch. This final step invites you to get creative and make each bowl your own flavorful masterpiece.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe with fresh cilantro for a vibrant herbal note, shredded cheese to add a melty richness, diced avocado for creamy coolness, crisp green onions for a mild fresh crunch, and crunchy tortilla chips for an irresistible textural contrast. These garnishes not only add layers of flavor but also make your bowl look incredibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or soft corn tortillas to soak up the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a citrusy dressing can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the chili. For something more indulgent, try serving it alongside a cornbread muffin for a classic touch of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chili in small individual bowls topped with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a classy presentation. For a fun twist, bowl it up in mini bread bowls, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You can also offer a toppings bar with avocado, jalapeños, cheese, and chips so guests can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy creation, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it a perfect dish for next-day meals. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making your week much easier and tastier.
Freezing
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the creamy texture intact. Just a quick reheat and you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat the chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent any sticking or curdling. If the chili has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly and keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I make this chili gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in the Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe are naturally gluten-free, just double-check any packaged goods like broth or canned chilies if you have celiac concerns.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes! While great northern beans are traditional for this recipe because of their creamy texture, cannellini or navy beans are fantastic alternatives that work just as well.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for sour cream?
Definitely. Greek yogurt not only adds creaminess but also a slight tang and extra protein, making the chili healthier without sacrificing taste or texture.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has a mild to moderate heat level with subtle warmth from the cayenne and green chilies. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more cayenne or even some jalapeños if you love it hot.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Using shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and infuses the chili with plenty of savory flavor. It’s actually encouraged for ease and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy experience packed with soul-warming flavors and creamy goodness. Whether you are feeding a family, inviting friends over, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a winner every time. Dive in and make it your own—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring shredded chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s complemented with sour cream or Greek yogurt and topped with fresh cilantro, cheese, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Juice from 1/2 small lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover chicken)
Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Green onions
- Avocado
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spices and liquids: Stir in the chicken broth, diced green chilies, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, lime juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the great northern beans. Reserve some of the beans to puree if you prefer a creamier consistency. Blend a portion of the beans with a little bit of the broth until smooth.
- Simmer the chili: Add both the whole beans and the pureed beans into the pot along with the corn. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
- Finish with dairy and chicken: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt and the shredded cooked chicken until everything is well incorporated and heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the creamy white chicken chili hot. Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips as desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Pureeing part of the beans creates a smoother, creamier chili base.
- Adjust salt according to the sodium level of your chicken broth.
- Fresh lime juice adds brightness; avoid bottled lime juice for better flavor.
