Description
This hearty and creamy White Chicken Chili is packed with tender chicken, beans, and a flavorful blend of spices. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights, and with optional toppings like Monterey Jack cheese and avocado, it’s a customizable treat everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (8 oz) pkg Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
- 1¼ cups frozen or fresh corn
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2½ cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
- Cook the Onion and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. - Add the Broth and Spices:
Stir in the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. - Add the Cream Cheese and Corn:
Add the Neufchatel cheese cubes and stir until they melt and incorporate into the broth. Then add the corn, cannellini beans, and shredded chicken. Stir everything together. - Simmer the Chili:
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly. - Finish with Lime and Cilantro:
Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if necessary. - Serve:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your choice of optional toppings like Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and tortilla chips or strips.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra cayenne pepper or use hot green chilies.
- If you don’t have Neufchatel cheese, you can substitute it with regular cream cheese or sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
- You can make this chili ahead of time, as the flavors tend to improve after resting in the refrigerator for a day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chili, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keywords: White Chicken Chili, Chicken Chili, Comfort Soup, Easy Chili, Creamy Chili