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Amazing White Chicken Chili Recipe

4.7 from 121 reviews

This Amazing White Chicken Chili is a creamy, comforting twist on traditional chili, packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy white beans, and mild spices. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it’s easy to make, flavorful, and topped with fresh cilantro and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Ready in about 45 minutes, this chili is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for those who want a warming meal without the heavy tomato base.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

For Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, diced green chilies with juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring to wake up the spices.
  3. Simmer Broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add Beans and Chicken: Stir in the rinsed cannellini beans and shredded cooked chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until the chili is smooth and creamy. Avoid boiling after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with chopped fresh cilantro and a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions.
  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but cooked chicken breast or thighs work well too.
  • This chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
  • To make vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, adding extra beans or diced vegetables as desired.
  • Pair with warm jalapeño cheddar cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, easy chili recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken and beans chili, comfort food