Skip to content
When the winter chill starts to set in, there’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of chili for dinner. But when you’re looking for something special that both warms you up and tantalizes your tastebuds, it’s time to whip up this classic creamy white chicken chili recipe. Bursting with flavor from tender chicken, creamy white beans, delicious chicken broth, and just the right amount of heat, this dish is sure to become an instant family favorite. For a richer flavor, you can also use chicken thighs as an alternative to chicken breasts. So grab your spoons and get ready; let’s explore how to make a delicious chicken chili recipe that will satisfy even the hungriest foodies!
The mystery surrounding the history of this chili recipe is a bit foggy. You may not expect it, but Texans are known to be passionate about their chilis - usually involving beef and red beans! However, with an increasing focus on healthier diets over time, folks have come up with unique spins like this beloved white bean version that still warms hearts in colder months.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
This Chicken Chili is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chicken, beans, and spices in a creamy and savory broth. This popular recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and can be made in a variety of ways, including on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. This recipe is super easy, too. It's basically made up of chicken broth, cubed or shredded chicken, beans, and spices. With its rich and creamy texture, White Chicken Chili is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
What is White Chicken Chili?
White Chicken Chili is a type of chili that is made with diced or shredded chicken, white beans, chicken broth, and a variety of spices and seasonings. Unlike traditional chili, which is typically made with ground beef and tomatoes, this Chicken Chili is a lighter and more delicate version that is perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor.
The flavor of Basswood Honey compliments this chili deliciously
How to Make White Chicken Chili
It’s easy to make this White Chicken Chili recipe. Let’s first take a look at the chili ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Sweet onion
- Garlic
- Chicken breasts
- Great northern beans
- Chicken broth
- Jalapeño pepper
- Ground cumin
- Fresh cilantro or dried cilantro
- Poblano peppers
- Cayenne Pepper
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Limes
These ingredients come together beautifully in a Dutch Oven. If you prep all of these ingredients the night before, you can quickly follow these steps to get this meal cooking in 15 minutes after returning home from work. You can let it simmer while you prepare the rest of the meal, or unwind while it simmers.
Step 1: Brown the Ingredients
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion in oil until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer and add the cubed or shredded chicken breast. Sauté until brown.
Step 2: Add the Rest of the Ingredients (Mostly)
Stir in the chicken broth, green chiles, chilies, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, and kosher salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat.
Step 3: Thicken and Simmer
Rinse one can of beans and add to a dutch oven. With a fork, mash the second can of white northern beans until smooth. Add to dutch oven to thicken the sauce. Add honey. Stir in lime juice. Simmer for 40 minutes.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Here are some cooking tips and variations to help you make the best White Chicken Chili recipe:
- Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover chicken, you can use it to make White Chicken Chili. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it to the pot.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to give your White Chicken Chili an extra kick.
- Use different types of beans: While cannellini beans are traditional in White Chicken Chili, you can also use other types of white beans, such as navy beans or Great Northern beans.
- Add some smokiness: If you like a smoky flavor, you can add some smoked paprika or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your White Chicken Chili.
- Make it in a slow cooker: White Chicken Chili is a great candidate for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Adapting our White Chicken Chili Recipe
What I love about cooking and repeating recipes are adaptation and improvisation. We always encourage you to play with your food. Change up recipes to suit your changing tastes and other dynamics. That’s how I cook, especially when I’m cooking white chili.
- Try using a rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken to save time and add depth of flavor!
- Can't find great northern beans? Cannellini, navy, and pinto can be substituted.
- Skip the peppers if you prefer a more mild chili, and add organic yellow corn instead.
- If you want more creamy white chicken chili, add cream cheese to the broth.
Serving White Chicken Chili
When serving chili, I like to offer lots of toppings. It's fun. Try preparing bowls of grated cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, jalapeño pepper slices, lime wedges, sour cream, and avocado slices. Everyone can make a dish unique to their tastes. Mixing in sour cream at the end makes creamy white chicken chili Stop by your local bakery to pick up a round loaf of rustic bread, or lay out some tortilla chips to go with it. Carve out the center of the round and serve this delicious meal inside of a bread bowl that you create. Comfort food at its very finest!
Serve any version of this wonderful Skinny Margarita in advance of, or alongside this dish! Try our Beer Bread with this dish, it's delicious and you can mix it up and bake it while the chili is simmering.
Storage and Reheating
Here are some tips for storing and reheating White Chicken Chili:
- Refrigerate: This chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Simply cool the chili to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container.
- Freeze: This chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply cool the chili to room temperature, then freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Get Your Chicken Broth Ready to Make this Delicious Comfort Meal
White chicken chili is a simple and flavorful dish that originates from the Southern region of the United States. Its popularity has spread across the country and for good reason - it's incredibly easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. Made with simple ingredients such as chicken broth, spices, beans, and chopped chicken, this dish is not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to traditional chili. What's more, it can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adding in different types of beans or adjusting the level of spiciness. For those looking for a creamy twist to their white chicken chili, adding cream cheese and sour cream will take this dish to a whole new level. And let's not forget about toppings - you can really get creative with this one!
Whether it's shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips, these toppings will add an extra layer of flavor and texture. So why not give this recipe a try? Whip up some white chicken chili for your next meal for a warm and comforting experience that your taste buds will thank you for. Trust me, you won't regret it!
