There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chili that feels both hearty and fresh. This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe hits that perfect balance with tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and a subtle kick of spices that will instantly make it a staple in your recipe collection. It’s a delightful twist on traditional chili that’s simple to make but full of depth and flavor, perfect for a cozy weeknight or feeding a crowd with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that combine beautifully to deliver that creamy texture, mild heat, and satisfying heartiness. Each one plays a key role, from the warmth of cumin to the subtle sweetness of corn, making it a breeze to whip up an unforgettable meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sauté your aromatics and adds a subtle richness to the base of the chili.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that layers beautifully with the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note essential to traditional chili flavor profiles.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle smoky heat to complement the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a mild sweetness and gorgeous color.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a bit of fiery heat to brighten the dish.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein star that makes this chili special and filling.
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy beans add body and help thicken the chili wonderfully.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies: Provides mild spice and a subtle tangy note.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Adds a pop of sweetness and delightful texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream: Rounds out the chili with rich creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): Adds a bright, fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic and let them cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is key because the softened onions and garlic create the flavorful foundation for your chili, waking up your taste buds and setting the stage for the spices to shine.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Now sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant. Toasting the spices like this really unlocks their depth, enhancing the warmth and complexity in every bite of your chili.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Next, add the shredded chicken, drained white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to your pot. Bring all these ingredients to a simmer and let them cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering melds all the flavors together while allowing the chili to thicken just the right amount. The beans soften further, the chicken absorbs those spicy notes, and the broth reduces slightly for a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Add Cream and Corn
Stir in the frozen corn kernels along with the heavy cream or sour cream, then let everything simmer for another 5 minutes. The cream adds a velvety smoothness that transforms this chili from everyday to extraordinary, while the corn injects little bursts of natural sweetness and texture that keep every spoonful interesting.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Give your chili a final taste and season with salt and pepper to suit your preference. If you love a fresh herbaceous note, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving. This final flourish not only adds a pop of color but brightens each bite beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop your delicious chili into bowls and get ready to enjoy the comforting, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors you’ve just crafted. It’s ready to be paired with your favorite sides or enjoyed on its own as a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes is like giving your chili a little extra love. Classic toppings like freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or even sliced avocado take this dish over the top. Each garnish brings a different texture and flavor, letting you customize your bowl to perfection.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy White Chicken Chili with warm tortilla chips for a fun crunch or classic cornbread to soak up every creamy drop. A simple green salad can also be a refreshing contrast to the rich chili, balancing out the meal with crisp veggies and bright acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving this chili in bread bowls for a cozy, rustic presentation that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Or, spoon it over baked potatoes as a hearty topping that turns regular spuds into a mouthwatering feast. For an easy party appetizer, serve the chili alongside tortilla chips as a dip for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture. The chili actually tastes even better the next day as the spices have more time to settle and blend.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe on hand for busy days, it freezes wonderfully. Place cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To prevent it from drying out, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating to keep that smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
While you can use canned chicken in a pinch, freshly cooked shredded chicken tends to provide much better texture and flavor in this chili. It’s worth the extra step to enjoy the best taste.
Is this recipe very spicy?
This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe has a mild level of spice, especially if you leave out the cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder and cayenne to suit your palate.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the chicken with extra beans or use plant-based protein, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The spices and creamy base make it just as satisfying.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, sour cream is a perfect replacement. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut milk or cashew cream work well and still provide that rich texture.
How thick should the chili be?
The chili should be creamy and slightly thick but still spoonable and not too dry. Adjust the broth amount or simmering time to reach your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to fall in love with a recipe as comforting, flavorful, and easy as this Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a dish that warms your soul, this chili never disappoints. Give it a try and you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal.
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Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a blend of spices simmered together in a creamy broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines a mild heat with creamy textures, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with your favorite sides like tortilla chips or cornbread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened, developing a fragrant base for the chili.
- Add spices: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for about 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma, enhancing the chili’s flavor.
- Combine main ingredients and simmer: Add shredded chicken, drained white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add corn and cream: Stir in frozen corn kernels and heavy cream or sour cream. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and create a rich, creamy texture.
- Season and garnish: Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for an added fresh flavor and color contrast.
- Serve: Serve the white chicken chili hot, accompanied by tortilla chips or warm cornbread for a classic and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Substitute heavy cream with sour cream for a tangier flavor or use a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth if you prefer a thinner chili.
