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Creamy White Chicken Chili

creamy white chicken chili - featured image

A cozy, creamy white chicken chili recipe that combines tender shredded chicken, beans, and warm spices in a velvety broth. Perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more juiciness)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) great northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (one can blended for creaminess)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream, full fat (or Greek yogurt as a substitute)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado slices, lime wedges, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the beans. Set aside the chicken breasts.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, cook chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in garlic, cumin, and oregano; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken broth, rinsed beans (reserve half for blending), and diced green chilies. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return chicken breasts to the pot, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken and shred finely with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  7. Using an immersion blender, puree half of the beans with some broth until smooth. Stir the creamy mixture back into the chili to thicken the broth.
  8. Stir in sour cream off the heat to keep texture silky. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
  9. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, or tortilla chips.

Notes

For best creaminess, blend half the beans with broth before stirring back in. Add sour cream off the heat to prevent curdling. If chili is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Searing chicken adds flavor and texture. Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use coconut cream for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, comfort food, easy chili recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken chili, cozy meals