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Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty white beans. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week, this quick and easy chili is packed with protein and fiber, features mild spices, and can be customized to suit various tastes. It’s made in one pot for minimal cleanup and delivers satisfying warmth in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Beans and Vegetables

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans Great Northern or cannellini white beans, drained and rinsed (reserve some liquid if desired)
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced mild green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth (preferably gluten-free)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (or substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt)

Fats and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build the flavor base.
  2. Add Chicken and Spices: Toss bite-sized chicken pieces into the pot. Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, coating the chicken evenly as it cooks through.
  3. Pour in Broth and Beans: Add chicken broth, drained white beans, and diced green chilies to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
  4. Stir in Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until melted and fully blended into the chili, creating its signature creamy texture.
  5. Simmer and Adjust: Let the chili gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother melting without clumps.
  • Shred chicken after cooking for a different texture that helps flavors soak in better.
  • Allow the chili to rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken and enhance flavor.
  • Reserve a small amount of the white beans’ liquid when rinsing to add back for extra creaminess if desired.
  • Top with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips to brighten and add texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy white chicken chili, white chicken chili, easy chicken chili, one-pot chili, gluten-free chili, comforting chili, quick chicken dinner