The Best White Chicken Chili

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish to share with family or friends, then you’ve come to the right place! The Best White Chicken Chili is a recipe that has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Trust me, once you try this chili, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

What makes this chili truly special is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Plus, it comes together in just over an hour, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or last-minute dinner plans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this chili on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to whip up a big batch for leftovers!
• Deliciously comforting: Each spoonful is like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food.
• Customizable: Whether you want extra spice or different beans, it’s easy to tailor this recipe to fit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! They are simple and wholesome—just what you need for a hearty bowl of chili. Here’s what you will need:

For the Chili

• 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 15.5 oz. sized cans cannellini beans (drained)
• 1 15.25 oz. sized can whole kernel sweet corn (drained; can substitute frozen corn)
• 2 4 oz. sized cans mild green chilies
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded and diced)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ground pepper (to taste)

Variations

One of the best things about The Best White Chicken Chili is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded turkey or even chickpeas if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you’re feeling bold, add more jalapenos or even some diced habanero peppers for an extra kick.
• Change the beans: While cannellini beans are delicious, feel free to mix it up with black beans or pinto beans!

How to Make The Best White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Mix the Seasonings

Start by mixing all your seasonings together in a small bowl and set them aside. This step ensures that every bite of your chili is flavorful and perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a 4 1/2-quart pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and jalapeno pepper, cooking them until they’re softened—about 5 minutes. This sautéing process brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your chili.

Step 3: Add Broth and Cream

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Then add the half and half in the same manner. This creates a rich base for your chili that balances beautifully with all other ingredients.

Step 4: Blend Some Beans (Optional)

For those who prefer a thicker broth, reserve one heaping cup of drained beans and blend them with ½ cup of broth using your preferred blending tool. Add this mixture back into the pot along with any remaining whole beans.

Step 5: Incorporate Flavors

Now it’s time to mix in those seasonings along with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and green chilies! Bring everything to a boil before letting it gently boil uncovered for about 15 minutes—this helps meld those flavors together.

Step 6: Add Chicken & Corn

Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pot along with corn. Let everything simmer gently uncovered for another 15-20 minutes while stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 7: Shred Chicken & Stir in Cream Cheese

Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks before returning it back into the pot. Lower the heat and mix in that glorious softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted into your chili.

Step 8: Adjust & Serve!

Finally, taste your creation! Adjust any seasonings as necessary before serving this delicious white chicken chili alongside cornbread or tortilla chips if you’d like!

And there you have it—the complete guide on making The Best White Chicken Chili! I hope you enjoy creating this dish as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making The Best White Chicken Chili

Making the perfect white chicken chili is easy with just a few extra touches! Here are some pro tips to take your chili to the next level:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor profile of your chili, making it taste vibrant and delicious.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapeno or a dash of cayenne pepper. This allows you to customize the spice level to your liking.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing your chili to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes can deepen the flavors and create a richer broth. It’s worth the wait!
• Make it ahead of time: Chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Preparing it in advance makes for an easy dinner option.
• Experiment with toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings like avocado slices or shredded cheese, which can add creaminess and texture to each bite.

How to Serve The Best White Chicken Chili

Serving your white chicken chili with flair can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting meal:

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, zingy flavor that complements the creamy chili perfectly.
• Diced avocado: Provides a rich creaminess that balances out the spices.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up each bowl and enhances the overall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet and buttery bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili goodness, making every bite satisfying.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a delightful contrast in texture, making them a fun accompaniment for dipping!
• Garden salad: A fresh salad filled with crisp greens and light vinaigrette serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chili.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa adds heartiness and makes for a filling meal that’s still healthy.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy The Best White Chicken Chili with family and friends! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for The Best White Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and can be a real time-saver during busy weeks. Plus, the flavors only get better as it sits, making it a great choice for make-ahead meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool down to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the chili into airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making The Best White Chicken Chili.

Can I use other types of beans in The Best White Chicken Chili?

Yes! While cannellini beans are a great choice for their creamy texture, you can substitute them with other white beans like navy or great northern beans if preferred.

How can I make The Best White Chicken Chili spicier?

To add more spice to your chili, consider increasing the amount of jalapeno pepper or adding fresh diced serrano peppers. You can also increase the hot sauce or sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes.

Can I use leftover chicken for The Best White Chicken Chili?

Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a fantastic way to save time. Just shred it and add it to the pot when you’re ready to simmer the soup.

How long does The Best White Chicken Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, The Best White Chicken Chili will last in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this warm and comforting dish as much as I do! The Best White Chicken Chili is not just easy to prepare; it’s also versatile and perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends and family. So gather your ingredients, follow along, and savor every delicious bite. Happy cooking!