The Ultimate Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

As chili season approaches, it’s time to warm up with a bowl of The Ultimate Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili. With tender chicken, creamy broth, and a perfect blend of spices, this dish will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

White Bean Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a lighter twist on the classic red chili. It’s lighter in color but not in flavor. The creamy base, combined with great northern beans and shredded chicken, creates a hearty meal perfect for cooler days or any time you need a comforting dish.

I always give instructions with step-by-step photos in my posts just in case some readers have questions. But if you are just here for the recipe, click the JUMP TO RECIPE tab under the title and it will take you straight there. You can also print the recipe card with full instructions or you can click one of the SHARE BUTTONS and save it for later!

Let’s Gather Up the Ingredients

Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below.

To create the best white chicken chili, you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts– Roasted or poached and shredded. 

• Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)

• Chicken stock– Canned, boxed, or homemade. 

• Great northern beans– 2 15.5-ounce cans or if you prefer to make beans from scratch, approximately 3 cups of homemade beans.

• Fresh cilantro

• Onions

• Jalapeno peppers

• Poblano peppers

• Corn– Fresh, canned, or frozen

• Fresh Garlic

• Kosher salt

• Cumin

• Corriander

• Ancho Chili powder

• Black pepper

• Lime juice

• Heavy cream

Tips for Success: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. For best results, shred the chicken as soon as you get home from the grocery store; it’s easier to do while the chicken is still warm, eliminates a step at dinnertime, and also takes up less room in our sometimes tiny RV fridge.

Now Let’s Get Cooking

In a food processor, blend half of the beans with 1 cup of the chicken broth. 

Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Add 1 large yellow onion (diced), 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced), and 2 medium poblano peppers (seeded and diced). Cook, stirring frequently, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes.

Add 4 cloves of garlic (minced) and cook for one minute more. Next, add 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder and continue to cook, stirring frequently, for one minute more to toast the spices. Add 3 the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth, puréed beans, and ½ teaspoon of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.

Stir in the shredded chicken, reserved whole beans, corn, and lime juice; bring back to a simmer and cook until everything is heated through (about 5 minutes).

Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and lime juice, if necessary. Stir in the cilantro. (The chili will be more soupy than traditional chili. If you want it a little thicker, let it simmer longer or make a cornstarch slurry. The longer it sits, the thicker it will get).

Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with sour cream, shredded chees, and lime wedges or whatever toppings your family enjoys!.

Tips for success: If you like your chicken chili on the mild side, remove the seeds from the peppers as directed. If you’d like to spice it up, leave them in. 

The Creamy Base: The Secret to This White Chili

What sets this white chicken chili apart is its creamy base. The addition of heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture that coats every spoonful. This creamy broth not only adds depth to the flavor but also gives the chili its distinctive white color.

Customizing Your Chili

One of the best things about this easy white chicken chili recipe is how customizable it is. Like it spicier? Add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a thicker chili? Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this recipe truly your own.

Toppings: The Finishing Touch

No bowl of chili is complete without toppings. Some favorite toppings for this white bean chicken chili include:

• A dollop of sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Crispy tortilla strips
• Lime wedges for an extra zesty squeeze

These toppings not only add flavor but also provide a delightful contrast in textures, making each bite an experience.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This easy chicken chili recipe is perfect for meal prep. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop further. Store your leftover chicken chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to thin it out, because chili tends to thicken when cooled.

The Versatility of White Chicken Chili

While this chili is delicious on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile. Use it as a topping for baked potatoes, serve it over rice, or use it as a dip for tortilla chips. You can even use leftover chicken to make this chili, which is a great way to repurpose yesterday’s roast chicken.

Health Benefits

Not only is this white chicken chili delicious but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides lean protein, while the beans offer fiber and additional protein. Fresh corn adds a touch of sweetness and some valuable vitamins. By using olive oil and opting for low-fat dairy, you can make this chili a part of a balanced diet.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This easy white chicken chili recipe is perfect for various occasions. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining. Make a large pot for game day gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s also a great option for potlucks because it can be easily transported and reheated.

FAQ

How long does chicken chili last in the fridge?

Chicken chili typically lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Here are some key points about storing chicken chili:

• Cool quickly: Let the chili cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before refrigerating.

• Use airtight containers: Store the chili in airtight containers to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.

• Refrigerate promptly: Place the cooled chili in the refrigerator as soon as possible.

• Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.

• Reheating: When reheating, make sure the chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria.

• Appearance and smell: Before consuming, check for any signs of spoilage like an off odor, mold, or unusual appearance.

Can you freeze white chicken chili?

For longer storage, you can freeze chicken chili for 4-6 months. When frozen properly in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, it maintains its best quality during this time.

What to eat with white chicken chili?

White chicken chili pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some great options to serve with your white chicken chili:

Bread:

   – Cornbread (classic choice)

   – Crusty bread or baguette

   – Cheddar Bay Biscuits

   – Tortillas (flour or corn)

Salads:

   – Simple Caesar Salad

   – Southwest-style salad with avocado and corn

   – Coleslaw

Grains:

   – Steamed white or brown rice

   – Quinoa

Toppings (can be served on the side for people to add as they like):

   – Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)

   – Sour cream

   – Sliced jalapeños

   – Diced avocado or guacamole

   – Chopped cilantro

   – Lime wedges

   – Sliced green onions

   – Tortilla chips or strips

Drinks:

   – Mexican beer

   – Margaritas

   – Iced tea

   – Lemonade

Desserts:

   – Churros

   – Sopapillas

   – Flan

   – Key lime pie

Your New Go-To Chili Recipe

This easy white chicken chili recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that’s sure to become a staple in your RV cooking repertoire. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and perfect blend of spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food for chili season. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd at the campgrounds, this white bean chicken chili is sure to impress. 

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As always, I will be back next week with more delicious recipes from my RV kitchen to yours!