Warm up your kitchen with this delicious creamy white chicken chili recipe! Made with tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and just the right amount of spices, it's perfect for a cozy dinner. Plus, the creamy finish takes it over the top! Discover step-by-step instructions and elevate your meal game. Click through to find out how to make this comforting dish that everyone will love!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot, based on preference)
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
![When I make Creamy White Chicken Chili, I use these fresh and simple ingredients: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot, based on preference) - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference) - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) These ingredients blend to create a warm and hearty meal. If you need alternatives, here are some great swaps: - Olive oil: You can use canola or avocado oil. - Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works well if you lack time. - White beans: You can use navy beans or chickpeas for a twist. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is a good option for a lighter taste. - Heavy cream: Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. Choosing the right brands can enhance your chili. Here are my favorites: - Olive oil: Look for extra virgin for the best flavor. - Canned beans: Eden Organic has great quality. - Diced green chiles: Las Palmas offers a nice balance of heat. - Chicken broth: Swanson's Natural Goodness is rich and flavorful. Using trusted brands helps ensure a top-notch dish. For the full recipe, check the recipe section! First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easy and fun. You need olive oil, onion, garlic, cooked chicken breast, white beans, diced green chiles, chicken broth, and spices. Don't forget the heavy cream for that rich texture! 1. Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion. Cook it until it turns soft, about 5 minutes. 3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute. This brings out the wonderful aroma. 4. Mix in Chicken and Beans: Now, add the shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chiles, and chicken broth to the pot. 5. Season It Up: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer gently. 6. Simmer for Flavor: Reduce the heat to low. Let your chili simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. 7. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir until it blends well. Cook for another 5 minutes, but do not let it boil. 8. Taste and Adjust: Now, taste your chili. If it needs more flavor, add salt, pepper, or spices based on how you like it. Once your chili is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot in bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro on top. Lime wedges on the side add a nice burst of flavor when squeezed over. Enjoy this creamy white chicken chili with family or friends! For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. To get that smooth, creamy texture, use heavy cream. It blends well and adds richness. Stir it in slowly at the end of cooking. This helps avoid boiling, which can curdle the cream. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. But remember, it won’t be as thick. To boost flavor, add fresh lime juice just before serving. It adds brightness that makes each bite pop. You can also toss in some fresh cilantro for a herby touch. If you like heat, try adding more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth, so don’t skip it! One common mistake is not seasoning enough. Always taste your chili before serving. Adjust with salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Another mistake is cooking on high heat after adding cream. This can ruin the texture. Keep it low and slow. Lastly, don’t forget to drain and rinse the beans. This helps remove excess sodium and improves flavor. For the full recipe, check below. {{image_2}} You can easily adjust the heat in your creamy white chicken chili. Start with mild diced green chiles. If you like more heat, use hot chiles instead. You can also add cayenne pepper in small amounts. Taste as you go. This way, you can find the heat level that suits you best. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use more beans. You can add corn and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew cream. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without using animal products. If you want to switch proteins, ground turkey is a great choice. It cooks quickly and has a mild taste. Ground beef can also work, but it will change the flavor profile. You can brown it first to add depth. Just remember, cook it fully before adding it to your chili. Check out the full recipe to see how easy it is to make these changes! Store any leftover creamy white chicken chili in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Proper storage keeps the chili fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, pour the chili into a pot and heat over medium-low. Stir it often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, place your chili in a safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. You can freeze creamy white chicken chili for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top of the container, as the chili may expand when it freezes. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact, making it just as delicious as the first serving. Check the [Full Recipe] for more tips on how to make this dish shine! To make this chili vegetarian, swap the chicken for a plant-based protein. You can use chickpeas or tofu for texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for flavor. Use a mix of beans like cannellini and great northern beans. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying. Don't forget to add extra spices to boost the flavor! Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Just cook it first, so it's tender. Sauté the fresh chicken in the pot until it's fully cooked. Then shred it and continue with the recipe. This adds a fresh taste to your chili. Keep in mind that cooking time will increase by about 15 minutes. To thicken your chili, you can use a few simple tricks. One option is to mash some of the beans with a fork. This adds more body to the chili. Another way is to simmer it longer, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry, mixing cornstarch with cold water before stirring it in. Let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken the chili perfectly. In this article, I shared a detailed guide on making creamy white chicken chili. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned about ingredient swaps, cooking methods, and how to achieve the perfect creamy texture. I also shared variations for spice levels and storage tips. Remember, this chili is versatile. You can adjust for your taste. Enjoy making a dish that warms you up and brings joy. Explore your creativity and have fun in the kitchen!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2432d40a-5642-4872-8a55-0ac983b7ad36-250x250.webp)