Best White Chili Recipe

White chili is a deliciously creamy and comforting twist on traditional chili. Made with chicken, white beans, and green chilies, this dish is hearty yet lighter than the classic red chili. This Best White Chili Recipe is perfect for cold days or when you want a meal that’s both filling and packed with flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Spices

1. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Cook for about 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Beans, and Broth

1. Add the cooked chicken, white beans, green chilies, and chicken broth to the pot.
2. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

1. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream (or half-and-half) to create a rich and creamy consistency.
2. Let the chili simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Add the lime juice, and season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and serve with tortilla chips or warm bread on the side.

Tips for Making the Best White Chili

• Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor to the chili. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
• Make it spicier: For a bit more heat, add extra cayenne pepper, or top your bowl with sliced jalapeños.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer your chili to be thicker and creamier, reduce the amount of chicken broth or add more sour cream and heavy cream.
• Slow cooker option: This recipe can easily be made in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serving Suggestions

White chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with several sides:

• Tortilla chips for dipping
• A slice of cornbread for soaking up the creamy broth
• Avocado slices or sliced jalapeños as toppings for extra texture and flavor
• A simple green salad to balance the richness of the chili

Variations

• Vegetarian White Chili: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or diced zucchini for a hearty, meat-free option.
• Turkey White Chili: Substitute the chicken with shredded turkey for a post-holiday meal or a twist on the classic.
• White Chili with Ground Turkey: Use ground turkey instead of shredded chicken for a different texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze white chili?

• Yes! White chili freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

2. How can I thicken white chili?

• If you want a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

3. What type of beans work best for white chili?

• Cannellini beans or Great Northern beans are perfect for white chili because they hold their shape and have a mild flavor. You can also use navy beans.

4. Can I make white chili dairy-free?

• Absolutely! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute dairy-free sour cream to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.

5. What can I serve with white chili?

• White chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, avocado slices, or even a side of guacamole.

Conclusion

This Best White Chili Recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights at home. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or making a big batch for meal prep, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy texture, this white chili is both filling and full of flavor. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal any night of the week!

Yield: 6

Best White Chili Recipe

Print

White chili is a deliciously creamy and comforting twist on traditional chili. Made with chicken, white beans, and green chilies, this dish is hearty yet lighter than the classic red chili. This Best White Chili Recipe is perfect for cold days or when you want a meal that’s both filling and packed with flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional Toppings:
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using), and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Spices:
   Stir in the cumin, chili powder, coriander, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
3. Add the Broth and Beans:
   Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans, corn, and green chilies. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the Chicken:
   Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Make It Creamy:
   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the chili. Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
7. Serve:
   Ladle the white chicken chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips, avocado, extra cheese, or sour cream.

Notes

Make It Spicy: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

Beans: You can use a mix of white beans or even add pinto beans for a heartier chili.

Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients except the sour cream, cream cheese, and lime juice to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and lime juice before serving.

Thicker Chili: For a thicker chili, mash some of the white beans before adding them to the pot or simmer longer to reduce the liquid.