White Chicken Chili (Easy)

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make, look no further than this White Chicken Chili (Easy). This recipe has been a family favorite for years. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends at a cozy gathering. The secret ingredient really elevates the flavors and makes it stand out from other chili recipes.

Gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy this hearty meal. Whether you’re serving it on game day or just need a warm bowl on a chilly evening, this chili is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and mild spices.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
• Endless Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh veggies for added flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this White Chicken Chili (Easy) requires simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need!

For the Chili Base

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (about 1 tablespoon minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 (1-ounce) package Ranch seasoning (dry)

Beans and Chicken

• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (or a can of diced tomatoes)
• 1 (7-ounce can) diced green chilies (fire roasted if possible)
• 1 (14-ounce) can white beans (navy beans or cannellini, drained)
• 1 (14-ounce) can pinto beans (drained)
• 2 & 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 12 ounces)

Creamy Elements

• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened; low-fat is fine)

Toppings

Feel free to add as many toppings as your heart desires:
* Cheddar cheese
* Sour cream
* Cilantro
* Limes
* Avocado
* Jalapeno
* Green onion
* Tortilla chips

Variations

One of the best things about this White Chicken Chili is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you enjoy.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the beans: Black beans or kidney beans can add a different texture and flavor profile.
• Add heat: If you like spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or add more crushed red pepper.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist while reducing calories.

How to Make White Chicken Chili (Easy)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by prepping your veggies and gathering spices. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Combine all the spices in a small bowl: kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and Ranch seasoning. If using a rotisserie chicken, break it down now so it’s ready to go. Don’t forget to take out your cream cheese to soften!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat until hot—about one minute should do it! Add olive oil; when it shimmers, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they start turning translucent. This step adds sweetness and depth to your chili.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Turn down the heat to medium before adding minced garlic and your bowl of seasonings all at once. Continue sautéing for another couple of minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. You want those spices toasted; they’ll bring out rich flavors in your chili!

Step 4: Introduce Tomatoes and Beans

Now it’s time to add that wonderful burst of flavor! Pour in the Rotel and diced green chilies straight from their cans without draining them. Give everything a good stir before adding your drained white beans and pinto beans.

Step 5: Mix in Chicken & Broth

Stir in shredded chicken next—using rotisserie chicken saves so much time! Turn up the heat to high before mixing in water along with Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base for extra depth. If there’s any broth left in your rotisserie chicken container, swirl that into your chili too!

Step 6: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Chop up cream cheese into cubes about one inch each and gently fold them into your simmering chili. This is where things get creamy!

Step 7: Simmer and Serve

Bring everything to a boil then lower it to simmer for at least five minutes—feel free to let it bubble away longer if you’d like deeper flavors. Just remember to add corn right before serving!

Step 8: Top It Off

Serve hot with loads of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream if desired, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, jalapeños—whatever makes you happy!

And there you have it—a delightful White Chicken Chili that’s not only easy but also packed with flavor! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making White Chicken Chili (Easy)

Making this delicious chili is a breeze, and with these simple tips, you can enhance the flavor and texture even further!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate your chili’s flavor profile. If you have whole spices, grind them just before using for the best aroma and taste.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor. The mix of dark and light meat gives depth to your chili that pre-cooked or raw chicken may lack.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer longer develops deeper flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes if time permits; just keep an eye on the liquid level.
• Customize the heat: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste by adding more or less crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy it just how they like!
• Experiment with toppings: Toppings can transform your dish! Don’t hesitate to try out different combinations of garnishes to make each bowl unique.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili (Easy)

Serving this creamy white chicken chili is as enjoyable as making it! It stands beautifully on its own but can be enhanced with some thoughtful presentation choices and accompaniments.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lime wedges: Squeezing lime juice over the chili right before serving adds a tangy kick that complements the creamy texture perfectly.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: A generous handful of cheese melts beautifully into the warm chili, adding richness and a savory touch.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs wonderfully with chili, offering a comforting contrast in texture and flavor.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips not only add a delightful crunch but also serve as perfect scoops for your chili.
• Garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chili.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over a bed of rice or quinoa makes it heartier while providing additional nutrients.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your easy white chicken chili! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy White Chicken Chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, making your busy days a little easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for 3-5 days.
• Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• This chili freezes beautifully, so feel free to make extra!
• Transfer cooled chili to a ziplock bag, seal well, and label with the date.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on low in a pot on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave; heat from frozen or thawed, adding a couple of tablespoons of water if needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that may help you out!

Can I make this White Chicken Chili (Easy) ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili is great for making ahead. You can store it in the fridge or freeze it for later use.

What toppings should I use for White Chicken Chili (Easy)?

Toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, jalapeno slices, and crushed tortilla chips work wonderfully!

Can I substitute rotisserie chicken in this recipe?

Yes! You can use leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breast if you prefer. Just shred it and add it during cooking.

Is there a vegetarian option for this White Chicken Chili (Easy)?

Certainly! You can replace the chicken with additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken base.

How spicy is this White Chicken Chili (Easy)?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of crushed red pepper and diced green chilies you add. Feel free to tailor it to your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Creamy White Chicken Chili as much as I do! It’s comforting, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week ahead or hosting a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!