White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy nights or a hearty meal after a busy day. It’s ultra thick and creamy, featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, and sweet corn. The balance of spice makes this dish comforting yet exciting. Plus, it’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly, ensuring you always have a delicious option on hand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 35 minutes of total time, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
• Versatile Ingredients: Utilize ingredients from your pantry to create a comforting dish that suits any occasion.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream cheese gives this chili an irresistible creaminess that will keep you coming back for more.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for those busy nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve with your favorite toppings like chips, avocado, or lime wedges to elevate the dish.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or soup pot
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Forks (for shredding chicken)
• Small bowl (for mixing cornstarch)

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or soup pot: Ideal for even heating; perfect for simmering the chili to blend all flavors beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for shredding chicken, keeping your kitchen tidy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect seasoning every time.

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Ingredients

This White Chicken Chili is ultra thick and creamy, with shredded chicken, white beans and corn and just the right amount of spice! Make ahead and freezer friendly, perfect for pantry cooking.

Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lb)
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed (19oz or 591ml)
– 1 can sweet corn, drained (12oz or 341ml)
– 1 can green chiles (4oz or 113ml)
– 1 teaspoon green hot sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (125g)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
– 1 tablespoon water (optional)
– Chips (avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, or jalapenos, for serving)

How to Make White Chicken Chili recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

To a 3- to 4-quart Dutch oven or soup pot, add the chicken and broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot onto a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth.

Step 3: Add Beans and Corn

Add the white kidney beans, sweet corn, green chiles, hot sauce, chili powder, onion powder, and salt into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir them into the pot. Cover again and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to help melt the cream cheese completely.

Step 5: Thicken if Desired

If you prefer thicker chili, mix together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the simmering chili while stirring continuously until it thickens further.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your White Chicken Chili hot with additional toppings like avocado slices, lime wedges, salsa, cheese, jalapenos—whatever your favorites are!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili recipe

This White Chicken Chili is not just a delicious main dish, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for customization when serving. Whether you prefer something crunchy, creamy, or zesty, here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add a rich texture and complement the chili’s spices.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa for an extra kick of flavor and texture that pairs well with the chili.
• Jalapenos: Add sliced jalapenos for those who enjoy an extra spicy kick in their bowl.

Enjoy with Crunchy Sides

• Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips on the side for dipping or sprinkling over the chili.
• Cornbread: A slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the creamy chili and adds a slightly sweet contrast.
• Crackers: Saltine or oyster crackers can provide a nice crunch when sprinkled on top.

Pair with Dairy Delights

• Shredded Cheese: Top each bowl with shredded cheese to melt into the warm chili for added creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chili.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili recipe

To achieve the ultimate creamy and flavorful White Chicken Chili, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken and high-quality broth to enhance overall flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with less chili powder and hot sauce; taste and add more as needed to suit your preferences.
• Incorporate Varieties of Beans: Experiment with different types of beans like navy or cannellini for varied textures and flavors.
• Slow Cook for Flavor: If time allows, simmer the chili longer on low heat to deepen the flavors even further.
• Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to mix different toppings like cilantro or green onions for added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili recipe

Serving side dishes alongside your White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that pair well:

1. Cornbread: A classic pairing that offers sweetness and complements the savory flavors of the chili.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from the chili.
3. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add a nutritious element while enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches make a comforting addition, perfect for dipping into the chili.
6. Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a hearty side that’s easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Shredding the Chicken Properly: Ensure you shred the chicken well after cooking. Large pieces can affect the texture of your chili.

• Overcooking the Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese too early or cooking it too long can lead to curdling. Stir it in towards the end for a smooth finish.

• Using Regular Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of your dish. Regular broth can make the chili too salty.

• Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting spices to your taste can lead to a bland chili. Start with less and add more as you go.

• Forgetting About Toppings: Toppings like avocado, lime, and cheese enhance flavor and texture. Don’t skip them!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to cool the chili completely before refrigerating.

Freezing White Chicken Chili recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy reference.

Reheating White Chicken Chili recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this White Chicken Chili recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken for this White Chicken Chili recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the simmering time until fully cooked.

How do I make this White Chicken Chili recipe spicier?

Add more green hot sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños for extra heat.

What toppings go well with this White Chicken Chili recipe?

Consider avocado, lime wedges, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla chips as delicious toppings.

Can I make this White Chicken Chili recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili is not only thick and creamy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting friends, this chili is sure to impress!