Creamy White Chili Chicken Recipe for Cozy Evenings

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Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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There’s something magical about the creamy goodness of a white chili chicken recipe that warms your heart and soul. Imagine diving into a bowl filled with tender chicken, beans, and zesty spices, all swimming in an aromatic broth that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, but way tastier.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you have vivid memories tied to this dish—like the time I decided to impress my friends with my cooking skills and ended up with a kitchen disaster that would make even Gordon Ramsay blush. Spoiler alert: they loved the chili anyway! Whether it’s game day or a cozy family night, this white chili chicken recipe is the perfect companion for those moments when you need comfort food that delivers on flavor and warmth.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This white chili chicken recipe is simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
  • The rich flavors create a satisfying meal that’s visually appealing in any bowl
  • It’s versatile enough to be served with rice or bread, perfect for customizing toppings based on your preference
  • Enjoy it as leftovers; it gets even better the next day!

I remember one chilly evening when I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.

  • Canned White Beans: Great Northern or cannellini beans add creaminess and protein to your chili.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic breath is a small price to pay for deliciousness.

  • Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop finely for even cooking.

  • Green Chiles: Canned or fresh green chiles introduce a mild heat that elevates the chili’s flavor profile.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while ensuring a flavorful base.

  • Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give the dish its signature warmth; adjust according to your spice tolerance.

  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For serving, these add creaminess and tang that balance the spices beautifully.

  • Fresh Cilantro (optional): Chopped cilantro brightens up the dish—a must if you’re a fan of fresh herbs!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

First things first: let’s get our kitchen ready!

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and chop the onion and garlic. Have your chicken ready to go so everything flows smoothly!

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onions and garlic until translucent and aromatic—about 3-5 minutes.

Add Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken breasts before adding them to the pot. Allow them to brown slightly on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side should do it.

Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth along with drained beans and green chiles. Stir in cumin and chili powder for that warm kick we love!

Simmer Away: Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy the wonderful smells wafting through your kitchen!

Shred Chicken: Remove cooked chicken from pot after simmering. Shred it using two forks and return it back into the pot. Stir well until fully combined.

Enjoy your white chili chicken hot with toppings of sour cream or yogurt sprinkled with cilantro if desired!

This comforting dish truly shines on chilly evenings or during hearty gatherings with loved ones. So grab your spoon, dig in, and relish every creamy bite!

You Must Know

  • This white chili chicken recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chili, offering creamy textures and zesty flavors
  • The dish warms your soul while being incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the chicken to brown. While it’s cooking, prepare the broth for a smooth finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with beans or add jalapeños for extra kick. You can even swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To get that perfect creamy texture, use full-fat cream cheese or sour cream
  • Always season your chicken well before cooking to ensure every bite is flavorful
  • Let the chili sit for a bit; flavors deepen over time!

Cooking this white chili chicken recipe reminds me of chilly evenings spent with friends, laughing around the dinner table as bowls were filled and voices grew louder with excitement.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make this white chili chicken recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld beautifully.

What can I serve with this white chili chicken?

Serve it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips to complement its creamy texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the mix for an extra heat boost.

Print

Creamy White Chili Chicken Recipe

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Warm your soul with this delightful creamy white chili chicken, packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy family nights or game day gatherings. With a rich flavor profile and customizable toppings, it’s comfort food at its finest!

  • Author: Ethan Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cans (4 oz each) mild green chiles
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Chop onion and mince garlic.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent (3-5 minutes).
  3. Brown the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper; add to the pot. Cook until browned (4-5 minutes per side).
  4. Combine ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, drained beans, and green chiles. Stir in cumin and chili powder.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Shred chicken: Remove cooked chicken; shred it with two forks and return to the pot. Stir well.
  7. Serve hot with sour cream or yogurt and sprinkle cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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author

Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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