Creamy White Chicken Chili is a rich, velvety twist on traditional chili. Instead of tomato-based broth and red beans, this version features tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a luscious blend of sour cream and heavy cream. The result? A silky, savory chili with just the right kick of spice and a mellow, cheesy finish. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re serving it for dinner or ladling it out at a party.
Ingredients:
Protein & Base:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans & Broth:
- 2 cans (15.5 oz each) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans (4 oz each) chopped green chiles
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup cream cheese (optional for extra richness)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Build the Base
- Add shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth, beans, and green chiles.
- Stir in salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Make It Creamy
- Remove the pot from heat.
- Stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and cream cheese (if using).
- Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Return to low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to warm through without boiling.
4. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Serve hot with cornbread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with jalapeño cornbread or cheesy garlic bread.
- Serve in bread bowls for a fun twist.
- Offer a topping bar so guests can customize their bowls.
Tips & Variations:
- Thicker Texture: Mash ½ cup of beans before adding to the pot.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Sugar-Free Friendly: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and skip the cream cheese.
- Tropical Twist: Stir in a splash of lime juice and top with pineapple salsa.
This chili is creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor—just the kind of indulgent comfort food you love to explore. Want a slow-cooker version or a sugar-free remix next? I’ve got plenty more cozy creations to share!