Description
Comforting “the best white chicken chili” promises a soul-warming journey through creamy southwestern flavors. Hearty beans, tender chicken, and zesty spices combine in this irresistible one-pot wonder you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breasts/thighs)
Beans and Vegetables:
- 2 (15 ounces) cans white beans (Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 ounces) can green chilies
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Broth, Spices, and Dairy:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Jalapenos
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by warming olive oil in a spacious pot, then gently sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their enticing fragrance.
- Introduce shredded chicken into the pot, along with a vibrant blend of cumin, chili powder, oregano, and diced green chilies, allowing the spices to dance and intensify their flavors for a brief moment.
- Carefully pour in rich chicken broth and gently fold in creamy white beans, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that allows the ingredients to harmonize and develop a deep, complex taste profile.
- Lower the heat and gradually incorporate cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring consistently until the dairy components melt seamlessly, creating a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture.
- Brighten the chili’s robust flavor by squeezing fresh lime juice and sprinkling chopped cilantro, then conduct a final seasoning assessment to ensure a perfectly balanced dish that promises warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
- Ladle the steaming chili into serving bowls, inviting guests to customize with their preferred garnishes and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this exceptional white chicken chili.
Notes
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for deeper flavor, which can be easily shredded after poaching or roasting.
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier version that reduces overall calories.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili quantities or adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
- Make this chili freezer-friendly by cooling completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg