Imagine a steaming bowl of creamy, flavorful chili on a chilly evening. This easy white chicken chili recipe is the perfect comfort food that’s both hearty and quick to prepare. Packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and just the right amount of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Made with minimal ingredients and ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: Mild spice levels with customizable toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
- Nutritious: High in protein and fiber, thanks to the chicken and white kidney beans.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients for Easy White Chicken Chili
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 2 lbs) |
Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
White kidney beans (canned) | 19 oz (540 ml) |
Corn (canned) | 12 oz (341 ml) |
Green chiles (canned) | 4.3 oz (127 ml) |
Tabasco Green Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cream cheese (room temperature) | 4 oz (125 g) |
Corn starch | 1 tablespoon |
Water | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to a 3-4 quart Dutch oven or soup pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks on a large cutting board.
2. Build the Chili Base
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the chicken broth.
- Add the drained and rinsed white kidney beans, corn, green chiles, Tabasco Green Sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
3. Add Creaminess
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir it into the pot.
- Cover and let the chili simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt.
- Stir the chili thoroughly to ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
4. Thicken the Chili
- In a small bowl, mix the corn starch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the chili and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve warm.
- Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, lime wedges, or sliced jalapeños.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 28 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken and quality spices enhance the flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more Tabasco or chili powder for a spicier chili.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap chicken for white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Cream Cheese Tips: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting.
- Double the Recipe: This chili freezes well for meal prep or leftovers.
Topping Ideas for White Chicken Chili
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Pickled jalapeños
FAQs About Easy White Chicken Chili
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred cooked rotisserie chicken and add it during step 2. This can save time and add flavor.
2. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Combine all ingredients except the cream cheese, corn starch, and water in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and thicken with the slurry during the last 30 minutes.
3. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Yes, fresh or frozen corn works well in this recipe. If using frozen, defrost it before adding.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
6. What can I serve with this chili?
Pair it with cornbread, a fresh salad, or a side of tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort Awaits
Easy white chicken chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and customizable toppings, it’s a dish that will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table.
What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and make this delicious chili today. Share it with family and friends for a meal they’ll love and remember!
PrintEasy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food. With tender chicken, white beans, and a touch of spice, it’s a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (19 oz) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (4.3 oz) can green chiles
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado slices
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts and chicken broth in a 3-4 quart Dutch oven or soup pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks on a cutting board.
2. Build the Chili Base:
- Return shredded chicken to the pot with the broth.
- Add white kidney beans, corn, green chiles, Tabasco Green Sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Stir to combine and simmer over medium heat.
3. Add Creaminess:
- Cut cream cheese into cubes and stir into the chili.
- Cover and let the chili simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
4. Thicken the Chili:
- Mix corn starch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the chili and let it simmer for a few more minutes until thickened to your liking.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, or lime wedges.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken Option: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; add it in step 2.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Spice Levels: Adjust Tabasco and chili powder to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American