Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Craving a cozy and flavorful meal for those chilly evenings? Look no further than this delicious White Chicken Chili recipe. One cold fall night, I stumbled upon this idea when I was tired of the same old chili routine. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and subtle heat from green chilies in this White Chicken Chili had my family coming back for seconds before their bowls were empty. It has become our ultimate comfort food, especially on busy weekdays when we need something warm and satisfying.

The beauty of this White Chicken Chili recipe lies in its creamy and comforting nature without feeling heavy. Swapping out heavy cream for sour cream keeps it light yet still indulgent. Whether you simmer it on the stove or let it cook slowly in a crockpot while you’re out and about, or opt for the Instant Pot for a quick meal, this recipe is a winner. I’ve made this dish countless times and discovered a few tricks along the way—mashing some of the beans for a thick consistency, cooking the chicken in the pot for extra flavor, and adjusting the seasoning to taste.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and filling without feeling heavy – perfect comfort food
• Versatile – can be cooked on the stove, in a slow cooker, or Instant Pot
• Easy to customize – swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra veggies
• Freezer-friendly – can be stored for up to 3 months and reheated with sour cream to maintain creaminess

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe Recipe

• Creamy and Filling: The white chicken chili is creamy and filling but won’t leave you feeling overstuffed, making it perfect for a comforting meal.
• Easy Preparation: You can cook it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot, making it a versatile recipe for any day of the week.
• Lighter Option: By using sour cream instead of heavy cream, you get a lighter dish that is still rich and flavorful.
• Customizable: You can make it your own by adding more heat with extra chilies or jalapeños, or even by going meatless with more veggies.
• Family Favorite: With its juicy chicken, gentle heat, and creamy goodness, this white chicken chili will have your family asking for seconds before they finish their first bowl.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The chili tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge, and the leftovers can be stored in the freezer for busy days.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it with crusty bread, cornbread, or topped with avocado, lime wedges, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream for a variety of textures and flavors.
• Comfort Food: This white chicken chili is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients for Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

• 2 (4 oz) cans of diced green chilies.
• Juice from half a lime.
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium).
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin powder.
• 1 cup of sweet corn.
• 2 (15 oz) cans of white northern beans.
• Extras to top: avocado, cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, or tortilla chips.
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
• Add salt and pepper based on your taste.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne spice.
• 1 cup of either sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• 2 cups chicken, shredded and cooked.
• 1 tablespoon cooking olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika seasoning.

Pro Tips for Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To maintain the creamy texture of the chili when freezing, leave out the sour cream and add it in after reheating. This will ensure it stays creamy and delicious without any texture changes.

Pro Tip 2: Adjust the spice level to your preference by using milder green chilis and skipping the cayenne if you prefer a less spicy version of the White Chicken Chili.

Pro Tip 3: For a quicker cooking process, add raw chicken directly to the broth in the second step or follow the instructions for using raw chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. This will save you time without compromising on flavor.

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

Heat oil in a pan, sauté onion until softened for 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Combine the broth, green chilies, lime juice, spices, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare Beans

1. Drain the beans, then blend a portion with broth for thickness. Add the remaining beans and corn.

Step 4: Simmer

Cook uncovered for 15-30 minutes over low heat.

Step 5: Finish

Remove from heat. Mix in cooked chicken and sour cream. Serve with desired toppings.

Storage Tips

After making the White Chicken Chili, you can store any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The chili will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy it for a few more meals. To reheat, simply use the stove on low heat or the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

If you plan to freeze the White Chicken Chili, it is best to omit the sour cream before freezing to maintain the best consistency. The chili can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen chili, thaw it in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in the sour cream after reheating to keep it creamy and delicious.

The White Chicken Chili recipe is quite versatile, allowing for various modifications. To make it less spicy, you can use just one can of mild green chilies and skip the cayenne spice. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the dish with more nutrients and flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this white chicken chili vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can bulk up the chili with additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture.

For a lighter version of this chili, consider using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This swap maintains the creaminess of the dish while reducing the overall fat content. Additionally, if you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount of cayenne spice or opt for mild green chilies instead of the regular ones for a milder flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving this creamy White Chicken Chili in bread bowls. Hollow out a round loaf of crusty bread, ladle the warm chili inside, and let your guests enjoy a delicious and comforting meal while savoring the bread as they go. The combination of the creamy chili with the crispy bread bowl adds a delightful twist to this classic dish.

Another fun idea is to turn this White Chicken Chili into a chili bar for your next gathering. Set out a variety of toppings such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla strips, and sour cream. Let your guests customize their bowls with their favorite toppings, creating a fun and interactive dining experience that will surely impress your family and friends.

FAQs for Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Can I freeze the White Chicken Chili?

Yup—just hold off on the sour cream before freezing. It’ll keep in the freezer for around 3 months. Stir in the sour cream once you reheat it, that way it stays creamy and doesn’t get weird.

How can I make the chili less spicy?

If you want it less spicy, just use one can of mild green chilis instead of two and skip the cayenne. Easy fix.

Can I add raw chicken to the recipe?

Go for it. Toss about 1.5 pounds of raw chicken in with your broth in the second step, or follow the slow cooker/Instant Pot notes for raw chicken instead.

Can I make a vegetarian version of the White Chicken Chili?

Sure. Drop the chicken, switch to veggie broth, and toss in extras like zucchini or bell pepper for more veggies in every bite.

Conclusion

In conclusion, White Chicken Chili is not just a recipe; it’s a warm bowl of comfort that brings families together. Its creamy texture, flavorful chicken, and gentle heat make it a favorite for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—whether you prefer it with extra veggies, a touch of spice, or a dollop of sour cream, you can easily customize it to suit your taste.

So go ahead and whip up a batch of this delightful White Chicken Chili. Share it with loved ones, savor the cozy aroma filling your home, and enjoy the simple joys of a homemade meal made with love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this chili is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Warm, comforting, and oh-so delicious—White Chicken Chili is a must-try for anyone looking to bring a little extra comfort to their table.