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Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe

4.7 from 69 reviews

This Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili is a cozy, one-pot meal perfect for chilly days. Made with tender shredded chicken, poblano peppers, jalapeños, white beans, and a touch of cream cheese, it delivers a spicy, creamy comfort in every bite. Topped with sharp cheddar, avocado, cilantro, and green onions, and ideally served alongside warm homemade beer bread, this chili transforms simple ingredients into a delicious fall or winter staple.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 poblano peppers, seeded and diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust for heat preference)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping

Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Plain yogurt or sour cream, for dolloping

Side Suggestion

  • Homemade beer bread, warm and sliced

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, poblano peppers, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fragrant and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Toss the chicken breasts or thighs in the spice mix to coat evenly.
  3. Simmer Chicken: Add the spiced chicken to the pot with vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese: While the chicken cooks, place the cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and warm it in short bursts until softened and slightly melted, making it easier to stir into the chili.
  5. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot with tongs and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  6. Add Cream Cheese and Beans: Stir in the softened cream cheese and drained white beans into the chili. Mix until the cream cheese is fully blended and the chili has a creamy texture.
  7. Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to melt into the chili.
  8. Serve and Top: Ladle chili into bowls and top generously with additional cheddar cheese, dollops of plain yogurt or sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
  9. Side Serving: Serve warm with a slice of homemade beer bread for dipping for the best comforting experience.

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the jalapeño pepper.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered after adding cream cheese to reduce liquid slightly.
  • For a slow cooker version, cook the vegetables first on the stovetop, then transfer everything (except cream cheese and cheese) to the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add cream cheese and cheese towards the end.
  • Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moistness compared to breasts.
  • Additional toppings like tortilla chips or fresh lime wedges also pair nicely.

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, easy chili recipe, fall soup, winter comfort food, one pot chili, spicy chicken chili, creamy white chili