Creamy Dream: White Chicken Chili Recipe with Cream Cheese

Culinary magic happens when you stir cream cheese into this white chicken chili, creating a velvety sensation that dances on your taste buds.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly in this comforting bowl of warmth.

Succulent chicken mingles with tender beans and rich, creamy textures.

Spices whisper promises of bold flavors waiting to unfold.

Comfort emerges in every spoonful, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new favorite winter companion.

Prepare to fall in love with a chili that defies traditional expectations.

FAQs About This Chicken Chili

• Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for the raw chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before adding to the chili.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate. Green chilies and chili powder provide a gentle warmth. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili powder or use mild green chilies.

• How can I make this chili more protein-rich?

Add a can of drained white beans like cannellini or great northern beans. This will boost protein content and create a heartier texture. You can also sprinkle additional shredded chicken on top.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this chili?

No, you only need a large pot or Dutch oven and basic kitchen utensils like a wooden spoon or spatula. A cutting board and knife for chopping onions and preparing ingredients will be helpful.

What Makes This White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese Comforting

• The addition of cream cheese creates an incredibly rich, smooth texture that transforms this chili into a luxurious comfort food experience.
• Easily adaptable with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or shredded cheese, allowing everyone to personalize their bowl according to taste preferences.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutritious spices, this recipe offers a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor while being simple to prepare in a single pot.

Ingredients to Make White Chicken Chili

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the main protein base for the chili, white meat works best.

• Onions, Green Chilies: Create a flavor foundation with mild heat and aromatic depth, fresh chilies recommended for better texture.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and depth to the overall dish, fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: Blend of warm spices that create a complex flavor profile, ground spices should be fresh for maximum taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor, kosher or sea salt recommended.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and helps sauté vegetables, extra virgin olive oil preferred for better flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps thicken the chili, full-fat version recommended for best texture and taste.

How to Put Together This Rich, Chili

Step 1: Sizzle the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a warm, inviting cooking environment.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Add chopped onions, gently sautéing until they become translucent and release their sweet, delicate flavor.

Step 3: Awaken the Spices

• Minced garlic
• Diced green chilies
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir the spices quickly, allowing their aromas to bloom and dance in the pot.

Step 4: Introduce the Protein

Add shredded or diced chicken, stirring to coat with the spice mixture and ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth and water, creating a rich, flavorful base for the chili.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Creamy Transformation

Stir in cream cheese, breaking it down and creating a luxuriously smooth texture.

Step 8: Final Touch

Add heavy cream or half-and-half for extra richness, stirring until completely incorporated.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

Tips to Get the Creamiest White Chicken Chili

• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic until golden brown to enhance the chili's rich, complex taste profile.
• Cream Cheese Trick: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before stirring into the chili for smoother, lump-free integration.
• Spice Customization: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your preferred heat and intensity, creating a personalized flavor experience.
• Texture Enhancement: Use shredded chicken instead of diced for a more rustic, hearty texture that absorbs spices beautifully.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: Replace regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different nutritional needs.

Storage and Reheating for Cream Cheese Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the chili cools completely before sealing.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm chili over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if too thick.
• Heat in microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warm. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Great Pairings for White Chicken Chili

• Pair this white chicken chili with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the richness and complements the chili's spicy undertones.
• Serve alongside a bright, zesty lime-cucumber salad to provide a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, creamy chili.
• Offer warm, crusty sourdough bread or cornbread to soak up the creamy broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Choose a medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes that harmonize with the chili's green chilies and spices.

Chili Variations You Can Experiment With

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Replace beans with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and maintain hearty texture for keto diet followers.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream, ensuring a smooth consistency while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with white beans, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a protein-rich meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase chili powder and add roasted jalapeños or chipotle peppers for those craving extra heat and intense flavor profiles.

White Chicken Chili Recipe With Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy white chicken chili delivers comfort in a bowl, blending tender chicken and hearty beans with rich cream cheese. Warm spices and smooth textures invite home cooks to savor this soul-satisfying Mexican-inspired masterpiece that promises delicious comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 (15 ounces) cans white beans

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup frozen or canned corn
• 4 ounces cream cheese (cubed, softened)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Sliced jalapenos
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Gently sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their sweet aromatic essence.
3. Introduce minced garlic, roasted green chilies, and a harmonious blend of ground cumin, chili powder, smoky paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify their flavors for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Add shredded chicken to the fragrant base, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat with the spice mixture and ensure even distribution.
5. Pour in chicken broth, creating a rich liquid foundation for the chili, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Incorporate drained and rinsed white beans, which will contribute creamy texture and additional protein to the dish.
7. Reduce heat and let the chili gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
8. Fold in softened cream cheese, stirring until completely integrated and creating a luxuriously smooth consistency.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
10. Serve piping hot, garnished with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without compromising the creamy texture.
• Swap chicken with jackfruit or white beans for a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the chili’s hearty profile.
• Roast green chilies beforehand to intensify their smoky, complex flavor and add depth to the chili.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg