Creamy White Chicken Chili (Print version)

A comforting chili with tender chicken, white beans, and savory Southwestern spices for cozy dinners.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
05 - 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Beans & Broth

07 - 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
08 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

09 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
10 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 tsp ground coriander
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes (optional)

17 - Chopped fresh cilantro
18 - Sliced green onions
19 - Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
20 - Lime wedges

# How to Make:

01 - Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté an additional minute.
04 - Stir in diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander to coat the vegetables evenly.
05 - Add drained white beans and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until chicken is completely cooked and flavors meld.
07 - Remove chicken from the pot, shred using two forks, and return shredded meat to the chili.
08 - Stir in cream cheese until fully melted, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and lime wedges as desired.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Ready in under 1 hour for a quick weeknight meal
  • Creamy, flavorful, and adaptable to your spice preference
02 -
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free if certified gluten-free chicken broth is used
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream, optional cheese garnish)
03 -
  • Mash some beans against the side of the pot for a thicker chili
  • Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version—add at step seven
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