Warm up your dinner with this delightful creamy white chicken chili! Packed with tender shredded chicken, wholesome white beans, and a blend of mouthwatering spices, this chili is a perfect cozy meal. Easy to make in under 35 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime for an extra burst of flavor. Click to explore the full recipe and bring comfort food to your table tonight!
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 can (15 oz) white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
![To make creamy white chicken chili, you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (e.g., cannellini or navy beans), drained and rinsed - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon oregano - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients create a rich and smooth base for your chili. The chicken gives protein, while the white beans add fiber. The spices bring warmth, and the broth makes it all come together. You can tweak the recipe to match your taste by adding: - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat) - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving These optional ingredients can enhance flavor and texture. Jalapeño and green chiles add heat, while lime gives brightness. Coconut milk is a great choice for a creamy, dairy-free twist. To cook this dish, gather these tools: - Large pot - Cooking utensils - Measuring cups and spoons Using the right equipment makes cooking easier and more fun. A large pot holds all the ingredients, while measuring tools ensure perfect amounts. For the full recipe and cooking instructions, you can check the [Full Recipe]. To make creamy white chicken chili, start by sautéing the onion and garlic. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced onion and cook it for about five minutes. It should turn soft and clear. Next, stir in two minced garlic cloves and one finely chopped jalapeño. Cook this mix for two more minutes until it smells great. After that, it is time to add the chicken and spices. Put in two cups of shredded cooked chicken, one can of drained white beans, and one can of diced green chiles. Then, pour in four cups of chicken broth. Add one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of oregano, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, let’s incorporate the beans and broth. Mix everything well until it is combined. It should look colorful and inviting. Now it is time to bring the pot to a boil. Increase the heat until the soup bubbles. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and makes everything taste better. Near the end, we’ll add the cream. Pour in one cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Stir it in gently but avoid boiling again. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. When serving, it is nice to garnish with fresh cilantro. This adds a pop of color and flavor. You can also pair this chili with sides like crusty bread or fluffy rice. These sides soak up the soup and make each bite better. Enjoy your delicious meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To avoid curdling the cream, add it slowly. After simmering, lower the heat before adding the cream. This keeps the cream from cooking too fast. Stir gently as you mix it in. For shredding chicken, use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Pull the chicken apart in opposite directions. This makes it easy and quick. Shredded chicken works well in this chili, giving it a nice texture. To enhance the flavor, try adding extra spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat. A bit of coriander gives it a fresh taste. You can also add more cumin for depth. Using homemade broth makes a big difference. It tastes richer than store-bought. If you use store-bought, choose low-sodium options. This helps you control the salt in your dish. You can adjust the heat levels easily. For a milder chili, leave out the jalapeño. For more spice, add a chopped serrano pepper. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for more beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For gluten-free options, check your spices. Some may have hidden gluten. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this chili. Try using turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey works great and adds a nice flavor. You can also experiment with beans. Black beans or pinto beans offer a tasty twist. Each option gives the chili a different taste. To give your chili a Southwest flair, add corn or bell peppers. These ingredients bring sweetness and color. You can also use local herbs. Fresh cilantro or even spicy peppers can make the dish special. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of your area. Serving this chili in a bread bowl is fun. The bread soaks up the chili and adds flavor. You can also pour the chili over nachos. Top it with cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for an extra kick. These ideas make mealtime exciting and different! For the full recipe, check out the sections above. To keep your creamy white chicken chili fresh, use glass or plastic containers. These are great for storing food. Make sure to cover your container tightly. This helps keep out air and moisture. Refrigerate your leftovers right away. They will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to save your chili for later, freezing is a smart choice. First, let the chili cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out extra air to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chili in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. You can reheat your chili in two easy ways: the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. If you prefer the stovetop, pour the chili into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring often to avoid sticking. No matter how you reheat it, be careful not to overcook. This keeps your chili creamy and delicious. For the full recipe, check the link provided. How can I make this dish spicier? You can add more jalapeños or use hotter peppers. Try adding cayenne pepper for a kick. If you want even more heat, sprinkle in some hot sauce while cooking. This will make the chili burst with flavor! Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked? Yes, you can use canned chicken. Just drain it well and shred it. Canned chicken is a great time-saver. It still tastes good and works well in this recipe. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Another choice is sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Both options will keep the chili creamy and rich. Can this recipe be made dairy-free? Absolutely! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This change keeps the dish creamy without dairy. You can enjoy a tasty chili without any dairy worries. Is it suitable for a low-carb diet? Yes, this chili can fit a low-carb diet. Use fewer beans or skip them entirely. You can add more chicken or veggies instead. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe makes about six servings. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. You can easily double it for a larger crowd. Can it be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Just store it in the fridge after cooking. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will deepen, making it even better! For the full recipe, check it out above. This blog post covers all you need to make creamy white chicken chili. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, key equipment, and step-by-step instructions for cooking. You also learned tips for flavor and unique variations, plus storage and reheating methods. In closing, this dish is simple and tasty, perfect for anyone. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients to make it your own!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5adf5f81-8a17-4c73-a368-7723b1a578d0-250x250.webp)