White Chicken Chili
A cozy and creamy chili made with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and mild green chiles. This comforting bowl is packed with flavor from cumin and oregano, and it's ready in under an hour for a perfect weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and ground coriander. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices are very fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Chili Base
- b.Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- c.Add the whole chicken breasts, rinsed beans, diced green chiles, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shred the Chicken
- b.Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
- c.Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- d.Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it back into the chili.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Creaminess
- b.Add the cubed, softened cream cheese to the pot.
- c.Stir gently over low heat until the cream cheese has completely melted and the chili is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- d.Do not allow the chili to boil after adding the cream cheese, as this can cause it to separate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- c.Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- d.Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla strips.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a shortcut, use 3-4 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Add it with the beans and reduce the simmer time to 10-15 minutes.
- 2Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature and cubed. This helps it melt smoothly into the chili without clumping.
- 3If your chili is thinner than you'd like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the simmering chili and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- 4This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 5To add a smoky flavor, include 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other spices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add one finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion for a significant heat boost.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add an extra can of beans (like cannellini or pinto) and 1 cup of frozen corn for a hearty vegetarian chili.
Dairy FreeDairy-Free
Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also create a creamy texture by blending 1/2 cup of cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes) with a little broth.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Stir in 1 cup of frozen or fresh corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering for added sweetness and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
High in Dietary Fiber
Great Northern beans are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to lowering cholesterol.
Rich in Essential Minerals
This chili contains important minerals like iron from the beans and chicken, and potassium from the beans, which are vital for energy production and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5-cup serving of this White Chicken Chili contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used. This estimate does not include heavy toppings like cheese and sour cream.