There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chili, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Our Creamy White Chicken Chili is exactly that – a hearty, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings, a light lunch, or a comforting meal anytime you need a little extra warmth, this chili is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
Chicken chili is a beloved comfort food, offering a fantastic source of protein and essential minerals. This makes our creamy white chicken chili a satisfying and healthy option for anyone looking to incorporate more lean protein into their diet. Forget bland and boring; this recipe is designed to deliver a rich, savory experience that will leave you feeling full, happy, and completely content.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich chicken and an abundance of fresh vegetables, this chili is a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you feeling energized.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Aromatic vegetables, savory broth, and a blend of herbs and spices create a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken and beans are economical ingredients, making this a cost-effective meal option for families.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying delicious homemade meals on busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for garnish
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Spices, and Chicken
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Beans and Broth
Add the cannellini beans, great northern beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Green Chilies
Stir in the heavy cream and diced green chilies. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chili is heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Season the chili generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, if desired.
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Use Cooked Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts.
- Adjust Spice Level: For more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Thicken if Desired: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it in during Step 4.
- Garnish Generously: Toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips add extra flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Benefits
Creamy White Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also packed with incredible nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Protein: Chicken provides a lean source of protein essential for muscle growth and repair.
- High in Fiber: Beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting fullness.
- Packed with Vegetables: Onions, celery, and carrots contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A warm bowl of chili can provide a sense of comfort and satiety, making it a fulfilling meal.
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your chili.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and stir to combine.
- Add the cannellini beans, great northern beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the heavy cream and diced green chilies. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chili is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Season the chili generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and shredded Monterey Jack cheese, if desired.
