White Chicken Chili

This White Chicken Chili recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chili that promises warmth and comfort. Perfect for chilly evenings, it combines tender shredded chicken, zesty spices, and creamy Neufchatel cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish adapts to any occasion and is sure to impress.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Base
• For the Spices
• For Creaminess
• For Texture
• For Freshness
• Optional Toppings
• How to Make White Chicken Chili
• Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
• Step 2: Simmer the Broth
• Step 3: Puree the Beans (Optional)
• Step 4: Add Cheese and Beans
• Step 5: Finish the Chili
• Step 6: Serve Hot
• How to Serve White Chicken Chili
• Toppings to Enhance Flavor
• Accompaniments for Extra Satisfaction
• How to Perfect White Chicken Chili
• Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing White Chicken Chili
• Reheating White Chicken Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use raw chicken in this White Chicken Chili?
• What can I substitute for Neufchatel cheese?
• How spicy is this White Chicken Chili?
• Can I make this chili ahead of time?
• What are some good toppings for White Chicken Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and creaminess creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for added texture and taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and beans, this chili is not only tasty but nutritious too.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best White Chicken Chili, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Food processor (optional)
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the chili without spillage.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Food processor: Helps achieve a creamy texture if you choose to puree some beans.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and hearty White Chicken Chili:

For the Base

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies

For the Spices

• 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Creaminess

• 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes

For Texture

• 1 ¼ cups frozen or fresh corn
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 ½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken

For Freshness

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Optional Toppings

• Tortilla chips or strips
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sliced avocado

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
Next, add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Stir in the chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Puree the Beans (Optional)

While the soup simmers, drain and rinse the cannellini beans.
Measure out 1 cup of beans and set the rest aside.
Puree the measured beans with ¼ cup of broth from the soup in a food processor until smooth.
If you lack a food processor, feel free to skip this step; however, it will make your chili slightly less creamy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Beans

Stir in Neufchatel cheese, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans.
Mix until the cheese melts completely into the soup.

Step 5: Finish the Chili

Add shredded chicken to the pot along with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Taste your chili and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your White Chicken Chili hot with optional toppings such as Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips for extra crunch.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

Serving White Chicken Chili can be a delightful experience, especially when you add your favorite toppings and sides. This creamy dish is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are some serving suggestions that will take your chili to the next level.

Toppings to Enhance Flavor

• Monterey Jack Cheese: Melted cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and complements the spices.
• Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado provides a buttery flavor and balances the heat from the chili.
• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings brightness and freshness to each bowl.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a satisfying contrast to the creamy chili and can be used for dipping.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the overall flavor with a zesty kick.

Accompaniments for Extra Satisfaction

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all its delicious flavors.
• Rice: Serving the chili over white or brown rice adds heartiness and makes it more filling.
• Salad: A light side salad with a tangy dressing can balance the richness of the chili.

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How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili is all about enhancing flavors and achieving that ideal creamy texture. Here are a few tips to make it even better.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Opting for rotisserie chicken saves time and adds depth of flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for a milder or spicier chili.
• Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs like cilantro or lime juice right before serving elevates the taste significantly.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld all the spices together, making it more flavorful.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store leftovers in airtight containers, which also makes reheating easier.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish well.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the chili’s creamy goodness.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the warmth of the chili.
3. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas make for an excellent side, providing extra comfort food vibes.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled vegetables add color and nutrients while enhancing flavor profiles.
5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for an even heartier meal.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a delicious side that complements spicy dishes well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the overall outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic first can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always take the time to develop those flavors.

• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end may leave your dish bland. Make sure to season to your preference before serving.

• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Using subpar ingredients, like cheap broth or old spices, can impact the taste. Opt for fresh herbs and good-quality broth for the best results.

• Not Cooking Enough Time: Rushing the simmering process will not allow flavors to meld properly. Give it at least 15 minutes of simmering for maximum flavor.

• Forgetting Optional Toppings: Skipping toppings like avocado or cheese can make your chili less enjoyable. Experiment with different toppings to enhance your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• You can store it for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20–25 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making White Chicken Chili:

Can I use raw chicken in this White Chicken Chili?

Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup for safety and flavor.

What can I substitute for Neufchatel cheese?

Cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be used as alternatives if Neufchatel cheese is unavailable.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili?

The spice level depends on the cayenne pepper and green chilies used. You can adjust these ingredients according to your heat preference.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it ahead allows flavors to develop more fully. Just store it properly and reheat when ready.

What are some good toppings for White Chicken Chili?

Toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro add great flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

This creamy and hearty White Chicken Chili is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or even tweak the spices according to your taste. Enjoy this dish as a cozy dinner option that will surely delight everyone at your table!