Creamy White Chicken Chili Comfort Food Delight

Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 15 oz can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; to taste salt and pepper; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); as needed lime wedges (for serving)

December 23, 2025March 14, 2025 by lisa

Craving a warm, satisfying meal? Creamy White Chicken Chili is the answer! With its rich flavors and delightful texture, this dish not only fills your belly but warms your soul. I’ll guide you through the simple steps and key ingredients to craft this comfort food masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for family or inviting friends, this chili is sure to impress. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting and Creamy: This chili is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, providing a warm and satisfying dish that’s ideal for any occasion.
Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your taste, whether you prefer it milder or with an extra kick!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this chili is a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

I love using tender, shredded chicken as the base for this chili. It adds great flavor and makes it filling. White beans like cannellini or great northern beans bring creamy texture. You can use fresh corn or frozen corn; both work well. The onion and garlic give it a lovely depth of flavor.

Broth and Cream

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

Chicken broth makes the chili rich and tasty. It blends all the flavors together nicely. Heavy cream adds the creamy finish that makes this dish comforting. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but the cream is key to the texture.

Seasonings and Garnishes

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

– Lime wedges (for serving)

Olive oil is perfect for sautéing the onion. Cumin and chili powder give it warmth and spice. Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper, as they enhance all the other flavors. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, and lime wedges give a refreshing kick when served.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Base

– Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear.

– Step 2: Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells great.

Combining Ingredients

– Step 3: Now, it’s time to add the rest. Add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 can of drained white beans, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything.

– Step 4: Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. This will help all the flavors mix well.

Finishing Touches

– Step 5: Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix until everything is well blended. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if you want.

– Step 6: Let the chili warm through for about 5 more minutes. It’s ready to serve! Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your creamy white chicken chili!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Creaminess

– Use full-fat heavy cream for best results. It adds richness and depth.

– Stir in the cream gradually to prevent curdling. This keeps the texture smooth.

Enhancing Flavor

– Allow the chili to simmer longer for a richer taste. This helps the spices bloom and meld.

– Adjust spice levels according to your preference. Add more chili powder for heat or less for mildness.

Preparation Tips

– Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. It saves time and adds great flavor.

– Chop ingredients ahead of time for easy cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun.

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot for extra kick.
Add More Vegetables: Consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and flavor of your chili.
Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for the flavors to develop.

Variations

Dietary Alternatives

You can easily make this chili fit your diet. For a gluten-free option, just use gluten-free chicken broth. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re avoiding dairy, try coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This gives a tasty, creamy texture without dairy.

Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to get creative with the protein. You can swap chicken for turkey or even tofu if you want a vegetarian version. This adds different flavors and keeps it fun. You can also change up the beans. Navy beans or pinto beans work great in this recipe. This allows you to customize the chili based on what you have at home.

Spice Level Adjustments

If you love heat, add some fresh jalapeños to the mix. This will really kick up the spice level. You can also switch smoked paprika for chipotle. This adds a nice smoky flavor that changes the chili’s profile. Adjusting the spice is simple and makes this dish your own.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your Creamy White Chicken Chili in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This helps keep the chili tasty and safe to eat.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your chili, first allow it to cool. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the chili in the fridge overnight. This makes reheating easy.

For reheating, use a pot on low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the cream from separating.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy White Chicken Chili tastes great with tortilla chips or warm cornbread. These sides add a nice crunch. For extra flavor, top your chili with avocado or shredded cheese. Fresh cilantro also adds a pop of color and taste. Enjoy your delicious meal!

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use uncooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just chop it into small pieces. Cook it in the pot first, before adding other ingredients. This will take about 10 minutes. Ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.

How can I make it vegetarian?

To make this chili vegetarian, replace the chicken with more beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra corn or bell peppers for more flavor.

What can I serve with Creamy White Chicken Chili?

I love serving this chili with tortilla chips. Cornbread or rice also pairs well. You can add avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Caloric and fat content per serving

One serving has about 400 calories. It contains around 20 grams of fat. The heavy cream adds richness, which boosts these numbers.

How to lighten the recipe if desired

To lighten it up, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of oil used. Substitute some beans for chicken to keep protein levels high.

Cooking Time Adjustments

How to adjust cooking time for larger batches

If you make a larger batch, cook it longer. Add about 5 to 10 extra minutes for every double batch. Ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.

Tips for faster cooking methods like the Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot can save time. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it natural release for 5 minutes. This method keeps the chili creamy and delicious.

This blog post shared a simple recipe for Creamy White Chicken Chili. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken and white beans, and important cooking steps. I also provided tips for achieving creaminess and enhancing flavors. You can adapt this dish to fit your diet or taste.

Enjoy this tasty meal with friends and family. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Happy cookin

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced I love using tender, shredded chicken as the base for this chili. It adds great flavor and makes it filling. White beans like cannellini or great northern beans bring creamy texture. You can use fresh corn or frozen corn; both work well. The onion and garlic give it a lovely depth of flavor. - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream Chicken broth makes the chili rich and tasty. It blends all the flavors together nicely. Heavy cream adds the creamy finish that makes this dish comforting. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but the cream is key to the texture. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges (for serving) Olive oil is perfect for sautéing the onion. Cumin and chili powder give it warmth and spice. Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper, as they enhance all the other flavors. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, and lime wedges give a refreshing kick when served. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. - Step 2: Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells great. - Step 3: Now, it’s time to add the rest. Add 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1 can of drained white beans, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything. - Step 4: Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. This will help all the flavors mix well. - Step 5: Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix until everything is well blended. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if you want. - Step 6: Let the chili warm through for about 5 more minutes. It’s ready to serve! Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your creamy white chicken chili! - Use full-fat heavy cream for best results. It adds richness and depth. - Stir in the cream gradually to prevent curdling. This keeps the texture smooth. - Allow the chili to simmer longer for a richer taste. This helps the spices bloom and meld. - Adjust spice levels according to your preference. Add more chili powder for heat or less for mildness. - Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. It saves time and adds great flavor. - Chop ingredients ahead of time for easy cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot for extra kick. Add More Vegetables: Consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and flavor of your chili. Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for the flavors to develop. {{image_2}} You can easily make this chili fit your diet. For a gluten-free option, just use gluten-free chicken broth. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. If you're avoiding dairy, try coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This gives a tasty, creamy texture without dairy. Feel free to get creative with the protein. You can swap chicken for turkey or even tofu if you want a vegetarian version. This adds different flavors and keeps it fun. You can also change up the beans. Navy beans or pinto beans work great in this recipe. This allows you to customize the chili based on what you have at home. If you love heat, add some fresh jalapeños to the mix. This will really kick up the spice level. You can also switch smoked paprika for chipotle. This adds a nice smoky flavor that changes the chili's profile. Adjusting the spice is simple and makes this dish your own. Store your Creamy White Chicken Chili in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This helps keep the chili tasty and safe to eat. To freeze your chili, first allow it to cool. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the chili in the fridge overnight. This makes reheating easy. For reheating, use a pot on low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the cream from separating. Creamy White Chicken Chili tastes great with tortilla chips or warm cornbread. These sides add a nice crunch. For extra flavor, top your chili with avocado or shredded cheese. Fresh cilantro also adds a pop of color and taste. Enjoy your delicious meal! Can I use uncooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just chop it into small pieces. Cook it in the pot first, before adding other ingredients. This will take about 10 minutes. Ensure it reaches 165°F for safety. How can I make it vegetarian? To make this chili vegetarian, replace the chicken with more beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra corn or bell peppers for more flavor. What can I serve with Creamy White Chicken Chili? I love serving this chili with tortilla chips. Cornbread or rice also pairs well. You can add avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor. Caloric and fat content per serving One serving has about 400 calories. It contains around 20 grams of fat. The heavy cream adds richness, which boosts these numbers. How to lighten the recipe if desired To lighten it up, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of oil used. Substitute some beans for chicken to keep protein levels high. How to adjust cooking time for larger batches If you make a larger batch, cook it longer. Add about 5 to 10 extra minutes for every double batch. Ensure the chicken cooks through evenly. Tips for faster cooking methods like the Instant Pot Using an Instant Pot can save time. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it natural release for 5 minutes. This method keeps the chili creamy and delicious. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Creamy White Chicken Chili. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken and white beans, and important cooking steps. I also provided tips for achieving creaminess and enhancing flavors. You can adapt this dish to fit your diet or taste. Enjoy this tasty meal with friends and family. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!$