Creamy White Chicken Chili (Printable)

Rich, creamy chicken chili with white beans and a burst of Southwestern spices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
05 - 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Beans & Broth

07 - 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
08 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

09 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
10 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes (optional)

17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
20 - Lime wedges

# How to make it:

01 - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden; remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
04 - Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and coriander. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables with spices.
05 - Add drained beans and pour in chicken broth. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot.
06 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
07 - Remove chicken, shred using two forks, then return shredded chicken to the pot.
08 - Stir in cream cheese until fully melted, then add heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and lime wedges as desired.

# Recipe Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Rich, creamy texture and bold Southwestern flavors
  • Quick and easy to prepare for weeknight meals
02 -
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, heavy cream, optional cheese garnish
  • Gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free chicken broth
03 -
  • Mash some beans for a thicker chili before adding cream cheese
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick, time-saving option
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