Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Craving something warm, hearty, and creamy for those chilly nights? This Creamy White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With tender chunks of chicken, a blend of spices, and a smooth, creamy broth, it’s sure to become your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to whip up this cozy bowl of goodness.

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (such as Great Northern or Cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and tortilla strips.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a bit more spice, add in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the chili for an extra kick!

Instructions to Make Creamy White Chicken Chili

Let’s get cooking! This creamy white chicken chili comes together in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will continue cooking in the broth.

Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it in during Step 3. This will cut down your cooking time while still delivering a rich taste.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Broth

1. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Add the white beans, diced green chilies, and chicken broth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 20 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

1. Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream and cream cheese until fully melted and the chili is smooth.
2. For an even creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream.

Chef’s Note: Be sure to add the cream ingredients over low heat to prevent curdling and achieve a silky-smooth broth.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a bit more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
2. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Creamy White Chicken Chili

• For a Thicker Chili: Mash some of the beans in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it in.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Since you’ll be seasoning the chili along the way, using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with extra beans or even chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy white chicken chili is perfect on its own, but it’s even better with toppings! Try shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or some crunchy tortilla strips. A side of warm cornbread or crusty bread will take your cozy night meal to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep that creamy deliciousness:

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Store for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the chili completely before freezing.
• To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then heat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the creaminess.

Enjoy a Cozy Night with Creamy White Chicken Chili!

Whether you’re cozying up with a good book or hosting a family dinner, this Creamy White Chicken Chili brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Try it once, and you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.