White Chicken Chili : This dish is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, bursting with creamy textures, tender chicken, and flavors that make it a family favorite.
Why White Chicken Chili is a Must-Try Dish
Unlike classic chili, White Chicken Chili is typically made with white beans, shredded chicken, and green chiles. The broth is rich and creamy, often enhanced with ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream, which balance the heat from the spices. The result is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of the year but especially comforting during the colder months.
Tips and Tricks for the Best White Chicken Chili
- Pre-Cook Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adding more or less diced jalapeños or green chiles. For a milder chili, use only mild green chiles.
- Thicken the Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash a portion of the beans before adding them to the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (minus the cream cheese) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Vegetarian White Chili: Swap the chicken for extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers in adobo for a spicier chili.
- Toppings Galore: Top your chili with sliced avocado, shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili
Serve your White Chicken Chili with:
- Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping and scooping.
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Rice: To make it a more substantial meal, serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro so everyone can customize their bowl.
Storing and Reheating White Chicken Chili
Refrigerating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if the chili has thickened.
Freezing
- White Chicken Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make White Chicken Chili in a Crockpot?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients (except the cream cheese and cilantro) to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and fresh cilantro at the end.
How can I make it less spicy?
Omit the jalapeños and use only mild green chiles. Adding more cream cheese or sour cream can also help tone down the heat.
Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes, you can use any white beans you like, such as cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans.
Is White Chicken Chili gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your chicken broth and canned beans to be sure.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, try using heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
White Chicken Chili
White Chicken Chili : This dish is a delightful twist on the traditional chili, bursting with creamy textures, tender chicken, and flavors that make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Fresh Flavors: 1 small yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Liquid Base: 2 cans low-sodium chicken broth (14.5 oz each)
- Heat and Spice: 1 can diced green chilies (7 oz), 1½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp ground coriander, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Creamy Elements: 1 package Neufchatel cheese (8 oz, cubed)
- Hearty Add-Ins: 1¼ cups corn (frozen or fresh), 2 cans cannellini beans (15 oz each)
- Protein: 2½ cups shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken
- Bright Finishes: 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- For Serving: Tortilla chips, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chilies. Season the pot with cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Set aside one can, and for the other, blend 1 cup of beans with ¼ cup of the soup broth until smooth. This will give your chili a rich, creamy texture!
- Stir in the Neufchatel cheese cubes until they melt, then add the corn, whole beans, and pureed beans. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, a splash of lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Give everything a good stir.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with Monterey Jack cheese, extra cilantro, sliced avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips. Dig in and savor the goodness!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 345Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 147mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 9gSugar: 4gProtein: 21g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
White Chicken Chili is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your household!
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