Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 (14-ounce) cans great Northern beans, drained; 2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chiles with juices; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced; 1 cup corn kernels; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ⅔ cup sour cream

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If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish, this White Chicken Chili Recipe is sure to hit the spot! It’s one of those meals that warms your heart and fills your belly. I love making it on busy weeknights or when I have friends over for a casual gathering. The blend of tender chicken, creamy beans, and zesty green chiles creates an explosion of flavors that everyone will adore.

This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. It combines wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices to create a hearty bowl of chili that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
Family-Friendly: Kids love its mild flavor, so it’s a great way to introduce them to new tastes.
Comforting Flavor: The creamy texture paired with spices gives you that warm, satisfying feeling we all crave.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and store it for easy reheating later—perfect for meal prep!
Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite toppings or sides for added fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful chili. You likely already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 cups chicken broth
2 (14-ounce) cans great Northern beans, drained
2 (4-ounce) cans mild green chiles with juices
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup corn kernels
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅔ cup sour cream

Variations

One of the best things about this White Chicken Chili is how flexible it is! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have or your taste preferences.

Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of diced chicken breasts for even quicker prep.
Add some heat: If you like things spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or use hot green chiles instead.
Load it up: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or shredded cheese before serving for extra flavor.
Go vegetarian: Replace the chicken with more beans or cooked quinoa for a hearty vegetarian option.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about four minutes until they are softened and translucent. This step is essential because sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds to release its fragrant aroma without burning.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained great Northern beans, mild green chiles (with their juices), diced chicken breasts, and corn kernels. Season everything with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring this flavorful mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for ten minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Stir in Sour Cream

To prevent curdling, take about half a cup of the hot chili and mix it into the sour cream in a small bowl until smooth. Once combined well, stir this creamy mixture back into the pot of chili. This step ensures every bite is rich and velvety! Serve hot and enjoy your delicious white chicken chili!

Pro Tips for Making White Chicken Chili Recipe

Creating the perfect White Chicken Chili can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

Use fresh ingredients: Opting for fresh onions, garlic, and herbs enhances the flavor profile of your chili, making it more aromatic and delicious.
Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a little kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This way, you can tailor the heat to your taste!
Cook chicken thoroughly: Ensuring that the chicken is fully cooked not only guarantees safety but also allows it to absorb all the wonderful flavors as it simmers in the broth.
Let it rest: Allowing your chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking can deepen the flavors as they meld together. It’s worth the wait!
Make it ahead: White Chicken Chili tastes even better the next day! Making it in advance allows the spices to develop further, making your meal even more comforting.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Recipe

Serving your White Chicken Chili can be as fun and creative as preparing it! Here are some delightful ways to present this comforting dish.

Garnishes

Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright flavor that complements the creaminess of the chili.
Sliced avocado: Provides a creamy texture that balances out the spices beautifully.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before enjoying adds a zesty kick that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: This sweet and buttery bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of chili.
Garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
Tortilla chips: Crunchy and salty chips are great for dipping into your bowl of chili, creating an exciting texture combination.
Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa makes it even more filling while adding a whole grain element to your meal.

Enjoy crafting your White Chicken Chili and sharing warm moments around the table with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

This White Chicken Chili is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. It stores well and can be easily reheated, allowing you to savor its delicious flavors even on your busiest days.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Add a splash of chicken broth if the chili has thickened while stored.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make this White Chicken Chili Recipe spicy?

Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick.

What can I serve with my White Chicken Chili Recipe?

This chili pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. You can also top it with avocado slices or shredded cheese for added flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked in my White Chicken Chili Recipe?

The chicken should be cooked until it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I substitute any ingredients in this White Chicken Chili Recipe?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use other types of beans like cannellini or black beans, and you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting White Chicken Chili! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings. Happy cooking!