Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Name: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 large sweet onion; 3-4 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast; 30 ounces cannellini beans; 7 ounces chopped green chiles; 1 cup frozen corn; 4 cups chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

September 8, 2025

Updated:

September 8, 2025

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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is a delightful dish that warms the soul and satisfies hunger. This chili is perfect for cozy family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for busy weeks. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it stands out among other chili recipes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices, tender chicken, and creamy cheese delivers a mouthwatering experience.
Customizable: Add your favorite garnishes like avocado or shredded cheese for extra flair.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Feeds a Crowd: With 8 hearty servings, it’s ideal for gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Slow cooker (optional)
Instant Pot (optional)
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering the chili evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Instant Pot: Cuts down cooking time significantly while infusing the ingredients with rich flavors.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons butter
1 large sweet onion (peeled and chopped)
3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Main Components

1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast
30 ounces canned cannellini beans (drained)
7 ounces chopped green chiles (mild or hot)
1 cup frozen corn
4 cups chicken broth

For Creaminess

8 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes (could be low fat))

For Garnish

Cilantro, scallions, tortilla chips, lime wedges, shredded pepper jack cheese, avocado

How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin and dried oregano. Mix well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices’ aroma.

Step 3: Incorporate Chicken

Place the boneless chicken breast into the pot along with the cannellini beans, green chiles, corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until combined.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot once cooked. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.

Step 6: Add Cream Cheese

Stir in the cream cheese cubes until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Enjoy your Creamy White Chicken Chili with your favorite garnishes!

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving Creamy White Chicken Chili can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish is versatile and pairs well with various garnishes and sides, enhancing its flavor profile.

Garnish Ideas

Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor.
Scallions – Chopped scallions offer a mild onion taste and a pop of color.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips provide a delightful contrast in texture.
Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime adds brightness and acidity.
Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese – This cheese melts beautifully and gives a spicy kick.
Avocado – Creamy avocado slices enhance the chili’s richness.

Serving Suggestions

In a Bowl – Serve it hot in bowls for a comforting meal.
With Rice – Pair it with rice to make it more filling.
As a Dip – Use it as a dip with tortilla chips for snacks or parties.

How to Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

To ensure your Creamy White Chicken Chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Bold Ingredients – Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially herbs and spices.
Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by using mild or hot green chiles based on your preference.
Cook Time Matters – Allow enough cooking time for flavors to meld together, especially in slow cookers.
Cream Cheese Temperature – Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing into the chili.
Taste Before Serving – Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Leftover Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Complementing your Creamy White Chicken Chili with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with the spicy flavors of the chili.
Green Salad – A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch to balance the chili’s richness.
Guacamole – This creamy dip enhances the dish while adding extra flavor.
Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream provides creaminess and helps mellow out spice levels.
Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a hearty side that absorbs the chili beautifully.
Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes alongside for a comforting touch that complements every spoonful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe can be a delight, but certain missteps can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or old ingredients can dull the flavors of your chili. Always check the expiration dates and choose fresh produce for the best taste.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Monitor the cooking time carefully and remove the chicken once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings during cooking can lead to bland chili. Be sure to sample as you go, adding salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Neglecting to prep properly: Failing to chop vegetables or measure ingredients beforehand can delay cooking and create a chaotic kitchen environment. Take a few minutes to prepare everything before you start.
Rushing the cooking process: Cooking on high heat may speed things up but can result in uneven flavors. Allow your chili to simmer gently for the best depth of flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through, usually around 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare this chili ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together.

What can I substitute for cannellini beans?

If you don’t have cannellini beans, you can use great northern beans or navy beans as they have a similar texture that works well in this creamy dish.

How spicy is this Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe?

The spice level depends on the type of green chiles you use. For milder flavors, opt for mild chiles; for more heat, choose hot varieties.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, increase the cooking time slightly and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe is not only hearty and satisfying but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different toppings or ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy each delicious bite!