Description
This White Chicken Chili is a hearty, warming, and creamy dish that’s a delightful alternative to traditional beef chili. Made with tender shredded chicken, cannellini beans, corn, and a blend of flavorful spices, it’s perfectly comforting and easy to prepare in one pot, ideal for a simple yet delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
Spices
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Beans
- 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
Finishing Touches & Garnishes
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
- Tortilla chips or strips (optional, for serving)
- Monterrey Jack cheese (optional, for serving)
- Sliced avocado (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broth and spices: Pour in chicken broth and add diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare beans for thickening: Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Reserve whole beans separately. Measure out 1 cup of beans and transfer them to a food processor along with 1/4 cup of the chili broth. Puree until nearly smooth to help thicken the soup.
- Add cheese, corn, and beans: Stir Neufchatel cheese cubes into the soup along with the corn, whole beans, and pureed beans. Mix well and continue to simmer for 5 to 10 more minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the soup to thicken.
- Finish with chicken and garnish: Stir in shredded cooked chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro, Monterrey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, and tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
- This White Chicken Chili is hearty, creamy, and perfect for a comforting meal, especially in colder months.
- Using rotisserie chicken makes the recipe quick and easy, but leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness.
- Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, and avocado for added texture and flavor.
- Makes about 8 cups, serving 6 generous portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 383 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 525 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 77 mg