White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a comforting dish that promises warmth and flavor in every bite. With its creamy texture, tender shredded chicken, and a delightful blend of spices, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich and luscious chili that feels indulgent.
• Quick to Prepare: In just 35 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with an array of toppings like avocado, lime wedges, or jalapenos for added flavor.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This chili can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for easy meals on busy days.
• Packed with Protein: With chicken and beans, this dish is a great source of protein that keeps you satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

To make this White Chicken Chili recipe efficiently, having the right tools will make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Forks (for shredding)
• Mixing bowl (for cornstarch)

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Essential for simmering your chili evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly, reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

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 Chicken Base

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

For the Chili Mix

• 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)
• 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)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)

For Serving

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

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook 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. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through; ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot to a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Ingredients

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

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

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

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer a thicker chili consistency, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into your simmering chili.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your White Chicken Chili into bowls and serve with chips alongside toppings like avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos as desired.

Enjoy this deliciously creamy White Chicken Chili anytime you need comfort food that warms both body and soul!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

Serving your White Chicken Chili is an opportunity to get creative! This dish is versatile and can be complemented with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavor and presentation.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Avocado – Creamy avocado slices add a rich texture.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brightens the chili’s flavors.
• Salsa – Fresh or store-bought salsa provides a zesty kick.
• Cheese – Shredded cheese, like Monterey Jack or cheddar, melts beautifully on top.
• Jalapenos – For those who enjoy heat, sliced jalapenos offer a spicy crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Chips – Serve with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
• Cornbread – A slice of cornbread makes for a sweet and hearty pairing.
• Rice – Serve over a bed of rice for added substance.
• Salad – A light green salad can balance the meal with freshness.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and spices enhance overall flavor.
• Adjust spice levels – Tailor the amount of chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste preference.
• Let it simmer longer – Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors.
• Thicken if needed – If you prefer a thicker consistency, adding cornstarch mixed with water can help.
• Experiment with toppings – Try different toppings each time you serve for variety!

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili elevates the dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cornbread – Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the chili perfectly.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole adds richness and pairs well with spiciness.
3. Mexican Rice – Fluffy Mexican rice soaked in spices enhances the meal’s heartiness.
4. Side Salad – A mixed greens salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
5. Grilled Veggies – Charred veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers add smokiness.
6. Baked Potatoes – Soft, fluffy baked potatoes serve as a comforting side dish that absorbs flavors well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your White Chicken Chili recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Shredding Step: Failing to shred the chicken properly can lead to uneven texture. Use two forks to shred the chicken for a better mix with other ingredients.
• Not Using Low-Sodium Broth: Using regular broth can make your chili too salty. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for better control over seasoning.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Monitor the temperature and remove it once it reaches 165°F.
• Forgetting to Stir: Neglecting to stir while melting the cream cheese can result in clumps. Stir occasionally for a smooth, creamy chili.
• Ignoring Personal Taste: Not adjusting spices and toppings according to personal preference may lead to a bland dish. Feel free to customize spice levels and add your favorite toppings!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this White Chicken Chili recipe that might help you.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the simmering time until they are fully cooked through.

What if I don’t have white kidney beans?

You can substitute with any white bean variety, such as cannellini or navy beans, for a similar texture and flavor.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili recipe?

The dish has a mild spice level due to green chiles and hot sauce. You can adjust these ingredients based on your heat preference.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili recipe is not only creamy and satisfying but also versatile enough for various tastes. You can customize it by adding more spices or different toppings like avocado or cheese. It’s perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends and family, so give it a try today!