WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of award-winning white chicken chili? This comforting delight combines tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty spices, making it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner, I’ll guide you through every step. Get your taste buds ready for a flavor explosion that’s easy to make and even easier to love! Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food: This white chicken chili is the epitome of comfort food, warming you up from the inside out with each creamy spoonful.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes total, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices, green chilies, and creamy cheese creates a rich flavor profile that’s both satisfying and delicious.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether it’s adding more spices, vegetables, or substituting proteins.
Ingredients
To make the award-winning white chicken chili, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, undrained
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The chicken provides protein and heartiness. The white beans add creaminess and a good texture. Spices like cumin and chili powder bring warmth and depth. The heavy cream and cheese make it rich and comforting. Don’t forget the lime and cilantro, which add a fresh touch.
Choose the best quality chicken and beans you can find. This will elevate your dish. Remember, the more fresh your ingredients, the better your chili will taste. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as they will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Overview
Preparing the chicken
Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook the chicken until it’s fully done. I like to bake or boil it. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This adds great texture to your chili.
Preparing the vegetables
Next, dice one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. These will give your chili a strong base of flavor. Having them ready makes cooking much easier.
Cooking and simmering the chili
In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another two minutes. This creates a fragrant aroma that will excite your taste buds!
Detailed Cooking Instructions
Sautéing onions and garlic
Once your onion is soft, it’s time to add the garlic. Stir the garlic until it smells nice, about one to two minutes. This is where your chili starts to come alive with flavor.
Combining ingredients in the pot
Now, mix in the shredded chicken, two cans of drained white beans, two cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and one can of diced green chilies with their liquid. Make sure everything mixes well in the pot. Then, add one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of chili powder, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Salt and pepper will enhance the taste too. Stir again to blend all the flavors together.
Adjusting seasoning and consistency
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer. After it simmers for about ten minutes, fold in one cup of corn. This adds sweetness and texture. After that, lower the heat. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream and one cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This step makes your chili creamy and rich. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want it thinner, add more chicken broth until it’s just right.
Serve your award-winning white chicken chili hot, topped with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips & Tricks
Secret Tips for Award-Winning Chili
– Importance of fresh ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and herbs. Freshness boosts flavor. I recommend using ripe tomatoes and vibrant cilantro. They add a bright taste.
– Suggested spice adjustments for flavor: Spice is key to a great chili. Start with the recipe’s spices. If you like heat, add more chili powder. For a smoky touch, increase the smoked paprika. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
– Cooking time for optimal flavors: Low and slow is your friend. Cook the chili for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Letting it simmer longer enhances the taste.
Presentation Tips
– Serving suggestions: Serve your chili in cozy, warmed bowls. This adds comfort to every bite. You can even pair it with crusty bread for a filling meal.
– Garnishing ideas: Top with extra Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime adds brightness. You can also add avocado slices for creaminess. These toppings make your chili look inviting and tasty.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker version, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it directly to the pot to save time!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
- Thicken it Up: For a thicker chili, purée one can of white beans before adding them to the pot. This will enhance the creaminess without adding more cream.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to get creative with garnishes! Avocado slices, tortilla strips, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish beautifully.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the beans or proteins in this chili. Try black beans for a twist. If you want a meatless option, use chickpeas instead of chicken. They add great texture and flavor.
For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. It brings a nice creaminess. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Flavor Enhancements
Get creative with your chili by adding extra vegetables. Chopped bell peppers or zucchini can boost nutrition and flavor. You might also try adding jalapeños for heat.
Change up the spices too. A dash of cayenne pepper can add a kick. You can also sprinkle in some oregano or thyme for a fresh taste.
For toppings, consider avocado slices or diced tomatoes. They add freshness and color. Crushed tortilla chips can add a nice crunch on top too.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your white chicken chili fresh, store it in airtight containers. Here’s how:
– Refrigerating leftovers: Let the chili cool first. Then, transfer it to a container. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
– Freezing options and guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the chili. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can stay good for up to 3 months. Remember to leave space for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Tips
Reheating chili can be simple and keeps the taste great. Here’s how:
– Best ways to reheat chili without losing flavor: Use a pot on the stove for even heating. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
– Adjusting consistency when reheating: If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir well to mix it in. This helps return the creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Common Questions
What makes this white chicken chili award-winning?
This chili is award-winning due to its rich flavors and creamy texture. The blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika gives it depth. The addition of heavy cream and Monterey Jack cheese makes it extra creamy. This balance of flavors and textures truly stands out.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use both. For a slow cooker, add all ingredients except cream and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. In an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for the onions and garlic first, then add the rest. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and then release the pressure.
How can I adjust the recipe for different serving sizes?
To change serving sizes, simply multiply or divide each ingredient. For example, if you want to serve 12 people, double the recipe. If you need fewer servings, cut the ingredient amounts in half. Just make sure to keep the seasoning balanced as you adjust.
Additional Inquiries
What side dishes pair well with white chicken chili?
Great sides include cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh garden salad. These options add texture and contrast to the creamy chili. You might also serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
How to make the chili spicier or milder?
To spice it up, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You could also include hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and use fewer green chilies. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
What’s the best way to serve this chili for a gathering?
Serve it in warmed bowls for a cozy feel. Provide extra toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. This allows guests to personalize their bowls. You could also have a large pot in the center for a buffet-style setup.
In this article, we covered how to make a flavorful white chicken chili. We explored the key ingredients and shared step-by-step cooking instructions. I offered tips for perfecting your chili and ideas for variations to suit your taste.
Remember, fresh ingredients and careful cooking bring out the best flavors. Whether you enjoy it as is or with fun twists, this chili can please everyone. With these tips, you can create a dish that stands out. Enjoy cooking and sharing your delicious chil
Creamy Dreamy White Chicken Chili
A rich and creamy chili made with shredded chicken, white beans, and spices, perfect for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, stirring occasionally, and sauté until the onion turns translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Mix in the shredded chicken, rinsed white beans, chicken broth, and diced green chilies (with their liquid). Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings and bring the chili to a gentle simmer.
Once the chili is simmering, fold in the corn and let it continue to cook for a further 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and the chili is creamy.
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add additional chicken broth until it reaches your desired texture.
Serve the chili hot, garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side for an extra pop of flavor.
Serve in cozy, warmed bowls with extra cheese and cilantro on top. A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors.
Keyword chicken chili, comfort food, creamy chili, white beans
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?