White Chicken Chili is the perfect dish for those chilly nights when you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This recipe takes the classic chili to a new level by using shredded chicken, cannellini beans, and a creamy base, making it lighter yet still incredibly satisfying. With the added warmth from cumin, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper, this chili strikes the perfect balance between spicy and comforting. It’s easy to prepare and loaded with wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

The beauty of White Chicken Chili lies in its versatility. You can customize the toppings to your liking, whether you prefer a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese, fresh avocado slices, or a handful of crispy tortilla chips for added texture. With fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, every bite bursts with flavor, making this chili a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Filling

This White Chicken Chili is packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, beans, and corn, ensuring each bowl is both hearty and filling.

2. Quick and Easy

With ingredients that are easy to find and a simple cooking process, this recipe can be made in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne adds depth and warmth, while the creamy Neufchatel cheese and chicken broth create a smooth, comforting base.

4. Customizable Toppings

Add your favorite chili toppings like shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla chips to customize the dish to your taste.

5. Healthier Comfort Food

This White Chicken Chili is a lighter alternative to traditional chili, with less fat and calories due to the use of Neufchatel cheese and lean chicken. It’s a comforting meal that won’t weigh you down.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

Yellow onion, diced
Olive oil
Garlic, finely minced
Low-sodium chicken broth
Diced green chilies
Cumin
Paprika
Dried oregano
Ground coriander
Cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
Frozen or fresh corn
Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
Fresh lime juice
Chopped fresh cilantro

Optional Toppings:

Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Fresh cilantro
Sliced avocado
Tortilla chips or strips

Variations

1. Add Vegetables

For an extra nutritional boost, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the chili. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning for added flavor.

2. Make it Spicier

If you like more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few slices of jalapeño or fresh chili peppers to the mix.

3. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian version of this chili, you can substitute the chicken with additional beans like kidney beans or black beans and add more vegetables for a wholesome, plant-based meal.

4. Creamier Chili

For a richer, creamier texture, you can add a bit of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end of cooking.

5. Slow Cooker Method

You can make this chili in a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients except the lime juice and cilantro and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings

To the pot, add the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Corn

Once the broth mixture is simmering, add the cubed Neufchatel cheese and stir until it begins to melt and create a creamy base. Add the corn, cannellini beans, and shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Lime and Cilantro

Once the chili is hot and the flavors have come together, stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or cayenne pepper if desired.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and tortilla chips or strips for crunch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quicker and adds extra flavor, but leftover cooked chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast will work well too.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper and use a mild version of green chilies.
Customize the Consistency: For a thicker chili, reduce the broth slightly, or for a thinner chili, add a little extra chicken broth or water.
Sauté Vegetables First: If adding vegetables, sauté them along with the onion and garlic to help them soften and develop more flavor before adding the broth.

How to Serve

White Chicken Chili can be served as a hearty main course. For a complete meal, serve it with cornbread, a simple green salad, or a side of rice. You can also offer extra toppings on the side, so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in a pot over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth if the chili has thickened too much.

Freezing

White Chicken Chili freezes beautifully. After it has cooled, transfer the chili to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove over low heat. You may need to add extra broth to restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow the chili to thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat gently on the stove.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast, either fresh or leftover, instead of rotisserie chicken. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Can I make this chili spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeño peppers to the chili.

3. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Add all ingredients except lime juice and cilantro, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in lime juice and cilantro just before serving.

4. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with additional beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?

Yes, regular cream cheese can be used if you prefer, though Neufchatel cheese has a slightly lighter texture and fewer calories.

6. How can I make the chili thicker?

To thicken the chili, you can simmer it longer to reduce the broth or use an immersion blender to puree some of the beans and corn.

7. How can I make the chili creamier?

For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.

8. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together.

9. What are good toppings for White Chicken Chili?

Great toppings include shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or crispy tortilla chips.

10. Can I freeze White Chicken Chili?

Yes, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat by thawing in the fridge overnight and reheating on the stove.

Conclusion

This White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food for any season. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with hearty ingredients like shredded chicken, cannellini beans, and corn. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s customizable with a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s taste. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers the next day—this chili only gets better with time!