Why Make This Recipe
Easy White Chicken Chili is a perfect dish for cozy nights. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough for a special occasion. With tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of spice, it will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!
How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions
- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the diced chicken, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the white beans and chicken broth; mix well.
- Lower the heat and add cream cheese. Stir until melted, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the green chiles and lime juice; let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
How to Serve Easy White Chicken Chili
Serve Easy White Chicken Chili hot in bowls. You can add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Pair it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Easy White Chicken Chili
To store any leftovers, let the chili cool down and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Easy White Chicken Chili
- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans in the pot.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or some chopped jalapeños.
- You can use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it to the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic.
Variation
If you want to make this chili vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers and corn. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter version.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I serve with white chicken chili?
You can serve it with cornbread, rice, or a simple salad. It also goes well with tortilla chips and guacamole!
Easy White Chicken Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm and filling one-pot meal with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a hint of spice, perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the diced chicken, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the white beans and chicken broth; mix well.
- Lower the heat and add cream cheese. Stir until melted, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the green chiles and lime juice; let simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For thicker chili, mash some of the beans in the pot. Use cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American