Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large onion, diced Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and adds depth to the broth. 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to enhance aroma and prevent sticking in the pot. 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Adds a robust, savory depth that complements the spices. 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Serves as the cooking liquid, allowing control over sodium for a lighter broth. 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild) Brings mild heat and a fresh peppery note to the dish. 1; .5 teaspoons cumin Key spice for earthy warmth that defines the chili’s flavor profile.; .5 teaspoon paprika Contributes a subtle smokiness and color to the white chicken chili.; .5 teaspoon oregano Offers herbal notes that balance the spices and add complexity.; .5 teaspoon coriander Provides a citrusy undertone that brightens the overall taste.; .25 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice. Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the dish to enhance all other flavors without overpowering. 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes Creates creaminess with less fat, making the chili rich and smooth.; .25 cups frozen corn Introduces sweetness and texture, adding a fresh element to the mix. 2 (15 oz) cans Cannellini or great northern beans Supplies fiber and creaminess when pureed, forming the hearty base of white chili.; .5 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers) Delivers lean protein and tender bites that make the dish satisfying. 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors with acidity, balancing the richness. 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro plus more for serving Adds a burst of freshness and color as a final touch. Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, cheese (such as Monterrey Jack), sliced avocado Enhance the meal with crunch, creaminess, and extra flavor for personalization.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large onion, diced Provides a flavorful base for sautéing and adds depth to the broth.

1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing to enhance aroma and prevent sticking in the pot.

2 cloves garlic, finely minced Adds a robust, savory depth that complements the spices.

2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth Serves as the cooking liquid, allowing control over sodium for a lighter broth.

1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies (mild) Brings mild heat and a fresh peppery note to the dish.

1.5 teaspoons cumin Key spice for earthy warmth that defines the chili’s flavor profile.

0.5 teaspoon paprika Contributes a subtle smokiness and color to the white chicken chili.

0.5 teaspoon oregano Offers herbal notes that balance the spices and add complexity.

0.5 teaspoon coriander Provides a citrusy undertone that brightens the overall taste.

0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the dish to enhance all other flavors without overpowering.

1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes Creates creaminess with less fat, making the chili rich and smooth.

1.25 cups frozen corn Introduces sweetness and texture, adding a fresh element to the mix.

2 (15 oz) cans Cannellini or great northern beans Supplies fiber and creaminess when pureed, forming the hearty base of white chili.

2.5 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie or leftovers) Delivers lean protein and tender bites that make the dish satisfying.

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Brightens the flavors with acidity, balancing the richness.

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro plus more for serving Adds a burst of freshness and color as a final touch.

Optional toppings: tortilla chips or strips, cheese (such as Monterrey Jack), sliced avocado Enhance the meal with crunch, creaminess, and extra flavor for personalization.

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Instructions

1-First Step: Mise en Place: Begin by organizing your ingredients to make the process smooth. Trim and shred any chicken if needed, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out spices and liquids. Preheat a large pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. This step sets the foundation for your white chicken chili, helping you avoid rushes later.

2-Second Step: Sear the Chicken: If using fresh chicken, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the hot pot and brown the pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and set aside for later for vegan swaps, skip this and use jackfruit. If you have shredded rotisserie chicken, you can move directly to the next step to keep things quick.

3-Third Step: Build the Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the diced onion, cooking for 4-6 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and green chilies, cooking for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the spices like cumin and oregano, stirring to bloom their flavors and create a rich base for your creamy chicken chili.

4-Fourth Step: Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits for extra flavor. Add the remaining broth, beans, and corn, then return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-25 minutes to blend the tastes for thicker white chili, mash some beans in the pot. For gluten-free adaptations, verify your broth is certified, and for low-calorie, use more beans instead of cheese.

5-Fifth Step: Finish and Enrich: Stir in the cubed Neufchatel cheese off the heat to avoid curdling, then add the pureed beans for creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lime juice, and cilantro to brighten the dish. This step ensures your chicken white stew has a velvety texture while staying adaptable to dietary needs like vegan options.

6-Final Step: Serve and Customize: Shred any larger chicken pieces if necessary and ladle the chili into bowls. Top with options like avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for a personalized touch. For reheating, aim for a gentle simmer to maintain texture, and remember total cook time is about 35-50 minutes. This makes your white chicken chili ready for any occasion with ease. Explore easy cake recipes for a sweet follow-up meal.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧑‍🍳 Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for more flavor and tender meat.
🥣 Pureeing some of the beans with broth creates a creamy texture without extra thickening.
🍋 Fresh lime juice and toppings like avocado and tortilla chips add bright flavor and texture contrasts.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup/Chili
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 383
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 525mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 77mg