The Best White Chicken Chili

This recipe for The Best White Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings comfort to any meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or warming up on chilly days, this dish features tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chilies. It’s a versatile option that can easily accommodate variations based on what you have at home. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover rotisserie chicken!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Main Ingredients
• Topping Suggestions
• How to Make The Best White Chicken Chili
• Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
• Step 2: Combine Ingredients
• Step 3: Prepare the Beans
• Step 4: Simmer the Chili
• Step 5: Finish with Chicken
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve The Best White Chicken Chili
• Topping Suggestions
• Serving Tips
• How to Perfect The Best White Chicken Chili
• Best Side Dishes for The Best White Chicken Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing The Best White Chicken Chili
• Reheating The Best White Chicken Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I make The Best White Chicken Chili spicier?
• Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
• What toppings go well with The Best White Chicken Chili?
• How do I customize The Best White Chicken Chili recipe?
• Is The Best White Chicken Chili healthy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this chili comes together effortlessly on the stovetop.
• Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices and creamy ingredients creates a deliciously rich flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Versatile Meal: You can customize toppings to suit different tastes, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Great for Leftovers: It’s an ideal recipe for using leftover chicken, minimizing food waste while maximizing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will simplify your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot (5–6 quart)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing room for simmering.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the best flavor balance in your chili.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (or 1½ teaspoons garlic powder)
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Juice of ½ small lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 (15 oz) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
• 2 heaping cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover)
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Topping Suggestions

• Fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Green onions
• Avocado slices

How to Make The Best White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot (5–6 quart), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Stir in chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Prepare the Beans

Drain and rinse the beans. For a creamier texture, blend one ladleful of beans with a splash of broth until smooth.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Add the pureed beans (if using), whole beans, and corn to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) along with shredded chicken.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with desired toppings such as cilantro, cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices, or green onions. Enjoy your cozy bowl of The Best White Chicken Chili!

How to Serve The Best White Chicken Chili

Serving The Best White Chicken Chili is all about enhancing its creamy goodness with delicious toppings and sides. With a few simple additions, you can elevate this dish to a whole new level of flavor and texture.

Topping Suggestions

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the chili’s rich flavors.
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melted on top provides a gooey, savory contrast.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful texture and are perfect for scooping up the chili.
• Green onions: Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to your bowl.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado brings richness and balances the spiciness of the chili.

Serving Tips

• Warm bowls: Serve your chili in warmed bowls to keep it hot for longer.
• Family-style serving: Place all toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their own bowl of chili.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect The Best White Chicken Chili

Perfecting The Best White Chicken Chili involves attention to detail and a few expert tips. Follow these suggestions for an even more flavorful and satisfying dish.

• Use quality chicken broth: A good broth enhances the overall flavor. Opt for low-sodium options to control salt levels.
• Balance spices carefully: Adjust spices like cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. Start small and add more as needed.
• Blend beans for creaminess: Pureeing some beans creates a creamy texture that makes the chili feel richer.
• Try different toppings: Experiment with various toppings like lime wedges or jalapeños for added zest and heat.

Best Side Dishes for The Best White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with The Best White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors wonderfully.

1. Cornbread: This sweet and crumbly bread pairs perfectly with the creamy chili, soaking up every bite.
2. Garden salad: A light, refreshing salad adds crispness and balances the richness of the chili.
3. Rice: Serve white or brown rice on the side to absorb the delicious broth and make the meal heartier.
4. Grilled vegetables: Charred veggies bring an earthy flavor that complements the chili’s ingredients beautifully.
5. Nachos: Crisp tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and olives make a fun, shareable side dish.
6. Stuffed peppers: Baked peppers filled with rice or quinoa pair well with the chili’s flavors while adding nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best White Chicken Chili can be simple, but a few common missteps can lead to less-than-ideal results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onion and garlic is key for developing flavor. Don’t rush this step; take 3–5 minutes to soften them before adding other ingredients.

• Using regular chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in your chili. This allows you to adjust seasoning without overwhelming flavors.

• Not draining the beans properly: If you don’t drain and rinse the beans, your chili may turn too mushy or salty. Always rinse them well under cold water before adding.

• Ignoring texture preferences: For a creamy chili, consider blending a portion of the beans for added thickness. Adjust based on how smooth or chunky you like your chili.

• Overcooking the chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, add it at the end just until heated through. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing The Best White Chicken Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; ensure excess air is removed from bags.

Reheating The Best White Chicken Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20–25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated throughout, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making The Best White Chicken Chili:

How can I make The Best White Chicken Chili spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños when cooking. Adjust based on spice preference.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded turkey works well as a substitute and still keeps the dish flavorful and hearty.

What toppings go well with The Best White Chicken Chili?

Popular toppings include fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices, and green onions for added flavor and texture.

How do I customize The Best White Chicken Chili recipe?

You can customize this chili by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even swapping white beans for black beans. Get creative with your favorite ingredients!

Is The Best White Chicken Chili healthy?

Yes! This chili is high in protein from the chicken and beans while being lower in calories compared to traditional chilis thanks to lighter ingredients like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Final Thoughts

The Best White Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe adapts easily with various toppings and ingredients. Give it a try today and enjoy its creamy goodness!