Save A rich and comforting chili featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a medley of Southwestern spices—perfect for chilly nights or easy weeknight dinners.
I first made this creamy white chicken chili on a brisk autumn evening, craving something soothing yet hearty. The combination of spices and creamy base instantly warmed up the house and made it a family favorite that everyone requests whenever the weather cools down.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: 1 lb (450 g), main protein for the chili
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for aromatic depth
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- Diced green chilies: 1 (4 oz / 115 g) can
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- White beans: 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each), cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (950 ml), low-sodium
- Heavy cream: 2/3 cup (160 ml)
- Cream cheese: 4 oz (115 g), softened and cubed
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Ground coriander: 1/4 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same pot, add onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add spices and chilies:
- Add green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and coriander. Stir to coat the vegetables with spices.
- Add beans and broth:
- Add drained beans and pour in chicken broth. Return chicken to pot.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked and flavors meld.
- Shred chicken:
- Remove chicken from pot, shred with two forks, and return to chili.
- Make it creamy:
- Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add heavy cream. Simmer 5 more minutes, stirring, until chili is creamy and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and lime wedges.
Save We love gathering around the dinner table for this chili on busy school nights, when everyone can customize their bowl with favorite garnishes. It's become a cozy meal our family anticipates as soon as fall arrives.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
Serve with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. Lime wedges and fresh toppings add brightness and extra flavor to each bowl.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This chili keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers and gently reheat over low heat for best results.
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy pot, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, ladle.
Save This creamy white chicken chili is comfort in every spoonful. Make it for family or friends and savor every rich, flavorful bite together.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best here?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are recommended. Thighs offer extra juiciness, while breasts provide lean protein.
- → How can I adjust the heat level?
Control spice by including or omitting jalapeño and adjusting chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste.
- → Can I make the chili thicker?
Mash some white beans against the pot sides before adding cream cheese to create a thicker, heartier texture.
- → Is there a quicker cooking method?
Using cooked rotisserie chicken can speed up preparation—add it after shredding or in the final simmer.
- → What garnishes complement the dish?
Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, and lime wedges enhance flavor and presentation.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, using certified gluten-free chicken broth ensures the dish remains gluten-free.