Quick Comfort Food Chili
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Quick Comfort Food Chili
This White Chicken Chili is a cozy, one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour, delivering a creamy, comforting bowl of goodness perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a family recipe passed down with love, and I’m so excited to share our secrets with you.
A Taste of Home You’ll Love
- Quick Comfort Food – Ready in about 50 minutes, it’s the perfect easy chicken dinner for any night.
- Generational Flavor – Packed with warm spices and a creamy broth, this is a traditional recipe that satisfies.
- Effortless Cooking – It’s a simple one-pot method that makes cleanup a breeze.
- Wholesome & Hearty – Loaded with protein and white beans, this hearty white bean chili is a meal in itself.
What You’ll Need for Your White Chicken Chili
For the Chili Base
- Chicken breasts – The tender protein that makes this a true chicken chili recipe.
- Olive oil – For sautéing our aromatics to perfection.
- Yellow onion & garlic cloves – The sweet and savory foundation of any great dish.
- Diced green chilies – They provide a gentle, authentic heat.
For the Spices & Broth
- Ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder – Our family’s secret blend for that warm, earthy flavor.
- Chicken broth – Creates the liquid base for our creamy white chili.
For the Creamy Finish
- White beans – For that classic, creamy texture.
- Frozen corn – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, rich finish.
- Cilantro & lime – The fresh, bright garnish that makes everything pop.
Your Cozy Cooking Timeline for White Chicken Chili
Now, let’s talk timing. I know a busy family needs recipes that fit into real life. This White Chicken Chili is a true quick comfort food, with a total time of just 50 minutes.
You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping, which goes by in a flash. The cook time is 35 minutes, mostly hands-off simmering that fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner solution. If you love dishes that come together without fuss, you might also enjoy my simple sheet pan chicken for another night.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In our family, we believe good food is for everyone. If you’re sugar-conscious or managing dietary needs, this White Chicken Chili can easily be adapted. It’s naturally a great low glycemic option thanks to the protein and fiber from the beans and chicken.
For a diabetic-friendly version, you can confidently use this recipe as-is. The flavors are robust enough that no added sugar is needed. If you’re looking to reduce fat, a simple swap for the heavy cream is outlined in the next section.
My Family’s Pro Tips for the Best White Chicken Chili
After making this for decades, I’ve learned a few tricks. These small steps make a big difference in creating a creamy white chili with incredible depth.
- For a Flavor Swap: If you adore smoky notes, use canned chipotle peppers in adobo instead of green chilies. Start with one pepper, minced, for a gentle heat. This is a great alternative if you enjoy the flavors in my chicken shawarma.
- For a Diet Tweak: To make this hearty white bean chili lighter, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. It adds a lovely richness without dairy.
- For Perfect Texture: Don’t rush the step of toasting the spices! That one minute of stirring unlocks their essential oils and fragrance.
- For Storage/Reheating: The beans will continue to absorb liquid. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
White Chicken Chili
Creamy white chicken chili with tender chicken cubes, white beans, and corn in a flavorful broth. Ready in 50 minutes for an easy, comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans diced green chilies 4-ounce cans
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans white beans 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
- 1 lime cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, along with the white beans and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chili is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Notes
Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Nourishing Your Family with This White Chicken Chili
This isn’t just a tasty meal; it’s a nourishing one. This chicken chili recipe is a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken, which helps keep you full and satisfied. The white beans contribute valuable fiber, which is excellent for digestive health.
Compared to a traditional beef chili, this version is generally lower in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy choice. The combination of protein and fiber also makes it a great option for supporting a balanced diet. For more information on the benefits of lean proteins, you can always check resources from the MyPlate guidelines. It’s a meal that truly fuels your body, much like a comforting chicken pot pie soup.
Creating a Lighter Version of This White Chicken Chili
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can easily lighten up this already wholesome dish. As I mentioned, coconut milk is a wonderful dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
You could also use half-and-half for a middle-ground option. For an even bigger boost of vegetables, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last five minutes of cooking. It wilts down beautifully and adds color and nutrients. For another light and flavorful idea, consider my spinach artichoke chicken.
How We Love to Serve Our White Chicken Chili
In our home, serving this chili is a ritual. We gather around the table with big bowls and all the toppings. It reminds me of Sunday dinners with my Nonna, where the meal was an event.
We set out bowls of shredded cheese, diced avocado, extra cilantro, and a dish of lime wedges. For a bit of crunch, I love serving it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad. This dish is also fantastic for game day gatherings, much like my crowd-pleasing chicken fajitas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect White Chicken Chili
Let’s make sure your chili turns out perfectly. The most common mistake is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Remember, you’re just browning it initially; it will finish cooking gently in the broth.
Another misstep is not seasoning at the end. The saltiness of broths can vary, so always taste and adjust the salt and pepper after adding the cream. Finally, don’t skip the fresh lime juice at the end! That bright acidity is the secret that balances the creamy richness. For more tips on cooking chicken perfectly, see my guide for achieving crispy garlic chicken. Understanding how to build flavor layers is key, much like in a classic hearty chicken stew. For a deeper dive on the Maillard reaction (that beautiful browning), Serious Eats has a great resource.
I learned the importance of the lime garnish the hard way, after my first batch felt a little too heavy. Now, it’s non-negotiable!
Preserving Your Delicious White Chicken Chili
This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to marry. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I often make a double batch just for this purpose. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little broth as needed. It’s a lifesaver on those nights when cooking is the last thing you want to do, similar to having a batch of chicken lo mein ready to go.
I Hope You’ll Try This White Chicken Chili
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the dish I make when a friend needs a meal, when the weather turns chilly, or when I simply want to surround my family with the warmth of good food.
It’s straightforward, reliable, and always brings everyone to the table with smiles. From our family to yours, I hope this White Chicken Chili becomes a cherished recipe in your home too. If you enjoy this, you might also love my famous “Marry Me” Chicken, comforting Chicken Divan, or the classic chicken parmesan. For a different flavor profile, my sweet and spicy Thai chicken is always a hit.
More Cozy Chicken Dinners You’ll Adore
If this creamy, comforting chili spoke to your soul, then you’re in the right place. Here are a few more family-favorite recipes that bring the same warmth to your table.
- Classic Chicken Pot Pie – The ultimate comfort food with a flaky, golden crust.
- Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup – A hearty and elegant soup perfect for a cozy night in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is white chicken chili made of?
This White Chicken Chili is made with tender chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a blend of warm spices like cumin and oregano, all simmered in a creamy broth. It’s a comforting twist on traditional chili, using a light-colored base instead of tomatoes.
How can I thicken my white chicken chili?
The easiest way to thicken your chili is to mash some of the white beans against the side of the pot before adding the cream. This releases their natural starch and creates a thicker, creamier consistency without needing any extra ingredients.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this chicken chili recipe. They are more forgiving and will stay incredibly moist and tender. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is white chicken chili spicy?
This version is mild and family-friendly. The diced green chilies provide very subtle heat. For a spicier creamy white chili, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot green chilies. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
