White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and a medley of spices for a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying bowl to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy: This chili has a luscious, creamy texture without being overly heavy.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a breeze to whip up.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Perfect for leftovers: It reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
• White beans (cannellini or great northern beans)
• Green chilies, diced
• Chicken broth
• Cream cheese or heavy cream
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Cook the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
2. Combine the base ingredients: Stir in the green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
3. Add the chicken and beans: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded chicken and beans, stirring to combine.
4. Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese or heavy cream until fully incorporated and smooth. Let the chili simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with diced tofu or extra beans and use vegetable broth.
• Thicker Chili: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the simmering stage.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a cheesy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
• Freezing: White Chicken Chili freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese/heavy cream) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream at the end.

2. What toppings go well with White Chicken Chili?

Popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla strips, and lime wedges.

3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor.

4. Is White Chicken Chili gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese or heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.

6. How can I thicken my chili?

You can thicken the chili by mashing some of the beans or adding a cornstarch slurry during the simmering process.

7. What type of beans should I use?

Cannellini beans or great northern beans work best, but navy beans are also a good choice.

8. Can I make this spicy?

For more heat, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for later.

10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide a richer flavor due to their higher fat content.

Conclusion

White Chicken Chili is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal any time of the year. With its creamy texture, flavorful spices, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

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