Cozy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of white chicken chili that can turn a dreary day into a cozy escape. Imagine savoring the rich, creamy texture, with hints of spice dancing on your tongue, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen like an inviting hug. This dish isn’t just comfort food; it’s a culinary embrace that wraps you in warmth and flavor.

I remember the first time I made white chicken chili. It was one of those chilly evenings when even my cat looked at me as if to say, “Do something!” So, armed with my trusty apron (which has seen better days), I whipped up this delightful recipe. Little did I know that this would become my go-to for gatherings and lazy Sundays. There’s nothing quite like sharing a hearty bowl of chili with friends and family, all while reminiscing over good times and laughing at bad puns.

Ingredients for white chicken chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 chicken breasts for tender meat that shreds beautifully in the chili.
• White Beans: Canned or dried; they add creaminess and protein to create a hearty base.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor; finely chop it for even distribution.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic goodness; don’t skimp on this flavor powerhouse!
• Green Chile Peppers: Choose canned diced green chiles for a mild kick or fresh ones for extra heat.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds an earthy warmth that makes this dish irresistible.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the seasoning in your chili.
• Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream before serving for added creaminess and tang.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make white chicken chili

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either poach them in water or broth until fully cooked—about 15-20 minutes should do the trick! Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or simply your hands if you’re feeling bold.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent—around 3-4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 3: Add Beans and Chilies

Stir in your white beans (drained if canned) along with diced green chilies. Mix well and let them mingle for another minute on the stove.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Next up, add your shredded chicken back into the pot along with chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer—let it bubble away for about 10-15 minutes to let those flavors deepen.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in cumin along with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy; season until it sings! If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream

Just before serving, stir in sour cream until it’s well incorporated. This step elevates your white chicken chili from good to absolutely divine!

Serve hot garnished with cilantro or sliced jalapeños if you dare! Transfer to bowls and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this delightful dish on cold nights or whenever you need a hug from the inside out!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then sauté the onions, garlic, and spices while the chicken simmers. Finally, stir in the beans and cream to create a harmonious blend that sings in every bite.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your white chicken chili by swapping out ingredients! Toss in some corn for sweetness or use turkey instead of chicken. Add different spices like cumin or even a splash of lime for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover white chicken chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to maintain that creamy consistency.

Sometimes I forget how much my friends love this dish until they beg me to make it again at our weekly gatherings. Their smiles after the first spoonful are worth every minute spent in the kitchen.

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for white chicken chili?

To make a delicious white chicken chili, gather the following ingredients: cooked and shredded chicken, white beans, green chilies, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and cream cheese. Optional toppings include cilantro, lime juice, and shredded cheese. These ingredients create a creamy and savory base that enhances the flavor profile of the dish. You can also customize it by adding bell peppers or corn for additional texture and taste.

How long does it take to cook white chicken chili?

Cooking white chicken chili generally takes about 30 to 40 minutes if you use pre-cooked chicken. If you start with raw chicken, you will need to allow for an additional 20 minutes of cooking time. The dish simmers on the stove until all flavors meld together perfectly. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights as it’s quick yet delectable.

Can I make white chicken chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily prepare white chicken chili in a slow cooker! Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop beautifully while requiring minimal hands-on time. Just shred the chicken before serving, and your comforting meal is ready to enjoy.

Is white chicken chili spicy?

White chicken chili typically has a mild to medium spice level but can be adjusted based on personal preference. The level of heat largely depends on the type of green chilies used. If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños or using hotter varieties of green chilies. For those who enjoy milder flavors, simply skip these additions.

Conclusion for white chicken chili:

In summary, white chicken chili is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy white beans and zesty spices. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. Remember that it’s customizable; you can add more vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting meal topped with your favorite garnishes!

Print

Warm and Cozy White Chicken Chili

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in this creamy white chicken chili, a delightful blend of tender chicken, savory spices, and hearty beans that warms your soul on chilly days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups white beans (canned or dried)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chile peppers
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts in water or broth until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes). Shred the chicken using two forks.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add Beans and Chilies: Stir in drained white beans and diced green chilies. Mix well and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in Broth: Add shredded chicken and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors.
5. Spice It Up: Add ground cumin along with salt and pepper to taste. For extra heat, consider adding cayenne pepper.
6. Finish with Sour Cream: Just before serving, stir in sour cream until well incorporated. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or sliced jalapeños if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Customize your chili by adding corn for sweetness or using turkey instead of chicken. For enhanced flavor, sear the chicken first before shredding.