Description

Hearty, creamy, and packed with mild spices, this White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken breasts, white beans, and a luscious cream cheese base to deliver a comforting and flavorful meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings, it’s easy to customize and enjoys great leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Beans

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

Liquids

4 cups chicken broth

Dairy

4 oz cream cheese, cubed

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream

Optional Variations

Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
Extra beans or shredded zucchini (vegetarian option)
Coconut milk (dairy-free substitute for cream cheese)
Smoked paprika or chipotle peppers (for smoky flavor)

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, creating the flavor base for the chili.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken – Add the boneless chicken breasts to the pot and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook about 5 minutes per side until mostly opaque on the outside, then remove and set aside to cool slightly for shredding.
Step 3: Combine Beans and Broth – Pour in chicken broth, add white beans and diced green chilies. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Shredded Chicken – Cube the cream cheese and gradually stir it into the pot until fully melted, producing a creamy texture. Add shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to warm through evenly.
Step 5: Final Seasoning – Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Let it cook for a few more minutes to combine all the flavors before serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and onions to maximize flavor.
Shred chicken using two forks or a stand mixer after cooking for perfect texture.
Don’t skip cream cheese for the signature creamy consistency.
Simmer chili gently to blend flavors for a richer taste.
Adjust chili powder to control spice level according to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg