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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This creamy White Chicken Chili features tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, sweet corn, and diced green chiles simmered in a flavorful blend of spices and softened cream cheese, resulting in a rich, comforting stew perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (14 oz.) cans low-sodium chicken broth, about 3.5 cups
  • 2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chiles
  • 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 (15 oz.) cans white beans (cannellini or great Northern beans), drained and rinsed

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy & Protein

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken, about 1 lb.

Finishing Ingredients & Toppings

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • Tortilla strips
  • Sliced avocados
  • Sliced jalapenos


Instructions

  1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add broth and vegetables: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the diced green chiles, drained corn, and rinsed white beans into the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Season and simmer: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  4. Puree portion for creaminess: Remove 1 cup of the chili liquid and vegetables and blend it using a food processor or immersion blender until smooth. Return the blended portion to the pot and stir—it helps thicken and create a creamy texture.
  5. Add cream cheese and chicken: Stir in the cubed softened cream cheese and shredded chicken, mixing until the cream cheese fully melts and incorporates into the chili. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
  6. Finish with lime and cilantro: Stir in the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro, mixing well. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes. The chili will thicken further as it stands.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, tortilla strips, sliced avocados, and sliced jalapenos as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapenos into the cooking process.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, puree more of the chili before mixing it back in.
  • Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, adding it off the heat to prevent curdling.
  • Leftover chili thickens when refrigerated—thin it out with a small amount of chicken broth when reheating.
  • Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas to complement the chili.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg