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Cozy Creamy Chicken Chili

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

A rich, delicious white chicken chili made in three easy ways. Rotisserie chicken adds convenience, northern beans give heartiness, and warm spices complete the dish.
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Mena
Updated on Mon, 03 Mar 2025 15:54:05 GMT
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Bowl of creamy white chicken chili garnished with toppings | delishdocket.com

This white chicken chili delivers the ultimate balance of creamy comfort and fresh flavors. Tender chicken and hearty white beans come together in a richly seasoned broth infused with mild green chilies and a bright citrus finish. The recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal that's both nourishing and delicious.

Key Ingredients

  • Great Northern or cannellini beans for natural creaminess
  • Mild green chilies for subtle heat
  • Fresh lime juice for brightness
  • Ground cumin for earthy depth
  • Chicken broth for rich foundation
  • Sour cream for finishing
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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe | delishdocket.com

Building Flavors

Base Layer:
Begin with slowly cooked onions and garlic to develop a flavorful foundation.
Layering Flavors:
Allow aromatics to caramelize gently, releasing their natural sweetness. Toast spices briefly to enhance their depth before building the broth.

Achieving Perfect Texture

The signature creamy consistency comes from pureeing a portion of the beans with broth. This natural thickening technique creates a luxurious texture while keeping the dish light and balanced.

Garnishing Options

Each bowl can be finished with fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or crispy tortilla strips. These toppings add texture and allow for personalization while complementing the chili's core flavors.

Recipe Variations

The recipe adapts well to different ingredients. Try roasted poblanos for deeper heat, swap in turkey during holiday season, or add corn for sweet crunch. Each variation builds on the original while maintaining its essential character.

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Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe | delishdocket.com

Chef's Notes

Monitor aromatics carefully during cooking for proper caramelization.

Adjust bean puree amount to reach desired thickness.

Season gradually and taste throughout cooking process.

This white chicken chili recipe proves that comfort food can be both satisfying and refined. Its versatility makes it perfect for casual family meals or entertaining, while its make-ahead potential ensures stress-free meal planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it possible to prep this in advance and freeze?
Absolutely! Just cook it without adding the sour cream, then freeze for up to 3 months. Stir in the sour cream after reheating so it doesn’t separate.
→ How much heat does this chili have?
It’s pretty mild because of the mild green chiles. For a gentler kick, cut back to one can and skip the cayenne.
→ Can I swap rotisserie chicken for raw chicken?
Sure, just add 1.5 pounds of raw chicken when you pour in the broth in step 2. Let it cook through before shredding it.
→ Can this recipe work for vegetarians?
Yes! Just leave out the chicken, switch to veggie broth, and toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Keep it in the fridge for 3 or 4 days. You can warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Chicken Chili

This creamy white chicken chili is comforting and super versatile. Try it on the stovetop in under an hour or use your slow cooker or instant pot for even less effort.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (6 cups)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 tbsp of olive oil
02 1 small yellow onion, diced (roughly ½ cup)
03 2 garlic cloves, minced finely (or 1.5 tsp garlic powder)
04 2 and 1/2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
05 2 cans of green chilies, diced (4 oz each)

→ Seasonings

06 1 and 1/2 tsp cumin, ground
07 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
08 A squeeze of juice from half a lime
09 1/2 tsp oregano, dried
10 1/2 tsp paprika
11 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste

→ Main Components

12 2 cans (15 oz each) of great northern beans
13 1 cup of corn, fresh or frozen
14 1 hearty cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
15 2 full cups of cooked chicken, shredded

→ Optional Toppings

16 Sliced avocado
17 Crispy tortilla chips
18 Grated cheese
19 Diced green onions
20 Chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 01

Start by heating up some olive oil in a big pot (5-6 quart) over medium-high. Toss in the onion and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds.

Step 02

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the green chilies, cumin, cayenne, oregano, lime juice, and paprika. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 03

Drain and rinse the beans well. Optional step: Blend a scoop of the beans with a little broth until smooth for some extra creaminess. Add the pureed beans, whole beans, and corn to the pot.

Step 04

Let everything simmer uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 05

Turn off the heat and mix in the sour cream along with the shredded chicken. Serve with whatever toppings you like.

Notes

  1. Works in a slow cooker or instant pot too
  2. Lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days
  3. You can freeze it for up to 3 months (just skip the sour cream)
  4. Perfect for leftover rotisserie chicken

Tools You'll Need

  • A big soup pot (5-6 quart)
  • Blender or food processor
  • Strainer for beans
  • Measuring tools (cups and spoons)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Made with dairy (sour cream)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 299
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
  • Protein: 20 g