Creamy White Chicken Chili (Printer-friendly)

Tender chicken, white beans, and corn simmered in a creamy, spiced broth for a comforting bowl of hearty goodness.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
06 - 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
07 - 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles

→ Beans and Broth

08 - 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

10 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
16 - 1 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnishes

18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
21 - Lime wedges

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 - Add the diced onion and jalapeño; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the chicken, white beans, corn, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
07 - Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream; simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili reaches a creamy consistency.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
09 - Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • This chili has this magical quality of being both light and hearty at the same time, like comfort food without the heaviness that puts you to sleep afterward.
  • The cream cheese melts into little pockets of richness that make each spoonful slightly different from the last, keeping you coming back for more.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isnt softening quickly enough, place the cubes in the pot around the edge where its slightly cooler, then fold them in gradually rather than dropping them all in the center.
  • The chili actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld overnight in the refrigerator, so consider making it ahead if serving for company.
03 -
  • For an unexpected twist that always gets compliments, stir in a tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles for a subtle smoky undertone that complements the creaminess.
  • If youre serving someone who cant tolerate spice, make the base recipe without jalapeños or cayenne, then offer hot sauce on the side so others can adjust the heat to their liking.
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