Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Comfort meets excitement in this hearty white chicken chili recipe that will warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Tender chunks of chicken swim through a creamy, spice-laden broth packed with robust flavors.

Jalapeños and green chiles add a zesty kick that dances across your palate.

The combination of white beans and succulent chicken creates a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of creaminess and heat that satisfies deep hunger.

Topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, this chili turns an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Get ready to fall in love with a chili that breaks all the traditional rules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

White Chicken Chili Ingredient List

• Anaheim or Poblano Peppers: Mild peppers with subtle heat, choose firm and glossy ones without blemishes for best roasting results.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb adding bright, citrusy notes, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Marjoram: Delicate herb with sweet, mild flavor, enhances overall chili complexity.

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides substantial texture, use boneless, skinless breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid foundation, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Onion: Foundational flavor builder, select firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust depth, choose plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that provides warm undertones, freshly ground delivers most intense flavor.
• Chili Powder: Balanced spice blend adding warming heat, quality matters for depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Intense heat element, adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.

• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and tanginess, full-fat version recommended.
• Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty topping that provides creamy, sharp accent.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for final flavor balancing.

• Beans: Hearty protein source, ensures satisfying texture.
• Corn: Sweet, crisp vegetable adding subtle sweetness and color.

Gear Needed for White Chicken Chili Cooking

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting peppers evenly.
• Aluminum foil: Protects baking sheet and ensures easy cleanup.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping peppers without burning fingers.
• Large bowl: Creates steaming environment for roasted peppers.
• Dutch oven or large heavy pot: Ideal for cooking chili and building flavors.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing peppers and chopping ingredients.
• Immersion blender or stand blender: Helps create creamy texture by pureeing chili.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving chili into bowls.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for chopping onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro.

Making White Chicken Chili in a Few Steps

• Pepper Preparation

Roast whole peppers in a hot oven until their skins become charred and blistered, creating a smoky flavor foundation for the chili.

• Pepper Transformation

Cover roasted peppers with a bowl to steam, which helps easily remove their tough outer skin and softens the flesh for easy chopping.

• Aromatic Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic with warm spices in a large pot, releasing their deep, complex flavors that will infuse the entire dish.

• Chili Assembly

Combine tender chicken, beans, corn, roasted peppers, and broth in the pot, allowing all ingredients to mingle and develop rich taste layers.

• Texture Enhancement

Partially blend a portion of the chili to create a creamy base while maintaining some chunky elements for satisfying texture.

• Finishing Touches

Stir in sour cream and fresh cilantro, which add brightness and a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, spicy chili.

• Serving Style

Ladle the chili into bowls and sprinkle with cheese, creating an inviting presentation that promises comfort and deliciousness.

White Chicken Chili Tips for Richer Taste

• Swap rotisserie chicken for grilled, smoked, or leftover Thanksgiving turkey to add depth and variety to your chili.
• Incorporate additional protein sources like white beans, quinoa, or diced tofu for a heartier and more nutritious meal.
• Adjust cayenne and chili powder quantities to create a mild, medium, or fiery hot version that suits your personal heat tolerance.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative that maintains the chili's luxurious, creamy consistency.

Serving Up White Chicken Chili with Extras

• Cozy Companion Plates: Warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips make perfect sidekicks to scoop up every delicious bite of this hearty chili.
• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle diced green onions, extra cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top to add bright, zesty notes that complement the chili's rich flavors.
• Comfort Bowl Additions: Create a satisfying meal by topping the chili with sliced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or some crispy tortilla strips for extra texture and richness.
• Drink Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a cold Mexican beer, a crisp white wine, or a tangy margarita to balance the chili's warm, spicy profile and enhance the overall dining experience.

Best Way to Store White Chicken Chili

• Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up a large pot of white chicken chili and transform your meal prep strategy. This hearty dish becomes your weeknight dinner superhero, easily multiplying to feed a crowd or stock your freezer with delicious meals.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store your chili in airtight containers and enjoy within 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify, making each reheated serving even more delectable than the last.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the chili into individual containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, creating a quick meal solution for busy days. Pro tip: Avoid adding sour cream before freezing to maintain the best texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and restore the chili's creamy consistency.

Hearty White Chicken Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Simmering comfort defines this white chicken chili recipe from Mexican culinary traditions. Home cooks can savor hearty flavors through tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chiles that promise satisfying warmth.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups chicken breasts or chicken thighs (cooked, cubed, or shredded)
• 4 Anaheim or poblano peppers
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15.8 oz) cans great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn (drained)
• 1 medium sweet onion (chopped)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 ½ tbsps olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp marjoram or oregano
• 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
• Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Roast Peppers: Position Anaheim or poblano peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet at 400°F, creating space between them. Roast for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until skins develop distinctive blisters and char marks.
2. Prepare Peppers: Transfer roasted peppers to a covered cutting board, allowing them to steam for 30 minutes. Peel away charred skin, remove stems, and dice into uniform pieces.
3. Build Flavor Base: In a Dutch oven, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Reduce heat and introduce garlic, cumin, chili powder, marjoram, and cayenne pepper, stirring to release aromatic qualities.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour chicken broth into the pot, adding beans, corn, cooked chicken, and roasted peppers. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Enhance Texture: Extract 2-3 cups of chili and puree using an immersion blender, creating a creamy consistency. Return pureed mixture to the pot, stirring and heating for 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, fold in sour cream and cilantro, seasoning with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese and additional cilantro.

Notes

• Pepper Roasting Technique: Ensure even charring by spacing peppers and using tongs to flip, creating a perfect smoky flavor base for the chili.
• Flavor Layering Strategy: Sauté spices with onions and garlic to unlock deep, complex aromatics that build a rich foundation for the dish.
• Texture Enhancement Trick: Partially puree the chili to create a creamy consistency while maintaining some chunky elements for a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Finishing Touch Finesse: Add sour cream and fresh cilantro off the heat to preserve their bright flavors and prevent curdling or wilting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 80mg