Creamy White Chicken Chili (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and white beans combined with creamy textures and bold Southwestern spices for a hearty dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound 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 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Beans & Broth

07 - 2 cans (15 ounces 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 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon 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

# Steps:

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. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
04 - Stir in diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander, coating the vegetables evenly.
05 - Add drained white beans and pour in the chicken broth. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
07 - Remove chicken from the pot, shred using two forks, and return shredded meat to the chili.
08 - Stir in the cubed cream cheese until melted, then add heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired with cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, and lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comforting, creamy texture that feels indulgent but uses simple ingredients
  • Quick and easy main dish that can be made on busy weeknights
02 -
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream, optional cheese garnish) and can be gluten-free if certified broth is used
  • Nutrition per serving is approximately 420 calories, 20 g fat, 30 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein
03 -
  • Mash some beans in the pot before adding cream cheese for an even thicker texture
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version—add at the shredding step
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