This Classic White Chicken Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With tender chicken, white beans, corn, and a creamy broth, this chili is packed with delicious flavors and comforting textures. Top it off with a squeeze of lime and your favorite garnishes for the ultimate cozy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: Packed with tender chicken, white beans, and corn, this chili is a comforting bowl of goodness.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy broth made with heavy cream and cream cheese is rich and smooth, bringing the flavors together beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, this chili is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level with more or less chili powder and add your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for desired spice level)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, additional shredded cheese
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from the pot, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Combine Ingredients
Add the diced green chilies, white beans, corn, chicken broth, and shredded chicken to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Finish the Chili
Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your desired toppings, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and extra cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Kcal: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
Variations
- Spicy: Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to give it more heat.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge.
Is this chili spicy?
The chili has a mild spice from the chili powder and green chilies, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
Conclusion
This Classic White Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of spice. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to your preferences, making it a great addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy this delicious chili with your favorite toppings for the ultimate cozy meal!
Print
Classic White Chicken Chili
This Classic White Chicken Chili is a hearty and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, white beans, corn, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Top with lime and your favorite garnishes for a cozy, satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for desired spice level)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans (such as cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Additional shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from the pot, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced green chilies, white beans, corn, chicken broth, and shredded chicken to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Finish the Chili:
- Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your desired toppings, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and extra cheese.
Notes
- Spicy: Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños for a spicier chili.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup / Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
