This Easy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in! Imagine tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a hint of spice, all simmered together in a rich and creamy broth. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious chili that’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a game day gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of chicken, white beans, green chilies, and spices creates a delicious and satisfying chili with a creamy texture.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time and effort.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, or add different vegetables or beans for a more complex flavor.
Ingredients
- Great Northern Beans: Adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein and fiber.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Diced Green Chiles: Adds a mild kick and a touch of Southwestern flavor.
- Yellow onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory punch.
- Cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
- Chili powder: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a kick of heat (adjust to your preference).
- Salt and black pepper: Season the chili to perfection.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and forms the base of the chili.
- Half and half: Adds richness and creaminess to the chili.
- Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a cheesy and slightly spicy flavor.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Easy White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Drain and rinse the Great Northern beans and add them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the shredded cooked chicken, diced green chilies, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 2: Simmer the Chili
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Cover the pot and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Finish
Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth. Pour in the half and half and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the chili reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle the Easy White Chicken Chili into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or additional shredded cheese.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use cooked chicken: Save time by using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the chili.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pot along with the onions, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped spinach.
- Make it creamy: For an even creamier chili, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each serving.
How to Serve
This Easy White Chicken Chili is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:
- Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips, for people to customize their bowls.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the flavors of the chili beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Easy White Chicken Chili is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of bean? Yes, you can! Other beans that would work well in this recipe include cannellini beans, navy beans, or even black beans.
2. Can I make this chili vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for protein.
3. Can I make this chili spicier? Definitely! Add more chili powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños to the pot.
4. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
This Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and creamy texture, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintEasy White Chicken Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Description
This Easy White Chicken Chili is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening! Tender chicken, white beans, and green chiles simmer in a flavorful broth, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 30 oz can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 lbs shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz can diced green chiles, undrained
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 1/3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine drained beans, shredded chicken, green chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese until melted. Add half and half and stir to combine.
- Cook Uncovered: Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and slightly thickened.
Notes
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded, for this recipe.
- If you don’t have Great Northern beans, you can substitute with cannellini beans or navy beans.
- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¾ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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