Hearty White Chicken Chili: A Creamy, Savory Comfort Food Delight

Flavorful White Chicken Chili

Introduction

Satisfy your craving for comfort food with this Flavorful White Chicken Chili—a soul-warming dish that balances rich, savory broth with tender chicken, creamy beans, and a medley of aromatic spices. Its mild heat and depth of flavor make it the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners, busy weeknights, or casual get-togethers.

Deliciously Unique White Chicken Chili

What sets this chili apart is its complex blend of zesty green chilies, tangy lime, and perfectly seasoned chicken, all simmered to perfection. Unlike traditional red chili, this variation gets its signature color and creaminess from white beans and a touch of dairy, resulting in a hearty yet lighter take on a comfort classic.

Building Layers of Flavor

Achieving that restaurant-quality taste is all about building layers of flavor. Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, and green chilies, allowing their aromas to infuse the base. Browning the chicken adds depth, while a blend of cumin, coriander, and a dash of cayenne provide warm, complex heat. Finish with lime juice and a swirl of cream or sour cream for a luscious finish that pulls the chili together.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping White Chicken Chili

Serve steaming bowls topped with freshly chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or crumbled tortilla chips for contrasting textures. A sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream adds richness, while lime wedges on the side let everyone brighten their bowl to taste. Pair it with warm cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 6 generous servings. Each bowl is packed with protein from the chicken and beans while remaining relatively light, averaging around 320–370 calories per serving (toppings and added dairy will affect calorie count).

Flavorful White Chicken Chili (Recap)

This Flavorful White Chicken Chili delivers balanced spice, tender chicken, and creamy beans in every spoonful. Its approachable ingredients and robust taste make it a surefire hit for cozy dinners or relaxed gatherings.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: Chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, lime wedges

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and hassle-free meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and green chilies, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the pot. Sprinkle with cumin, oregano, coriander, and cayenne. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Remove cooked chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. Add in the drained beans and corn. Stir, and let the chili simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded cheese, and lime juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer 2 more minutes to heat through.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, extra cheese, tortilla strips, and lime wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This white chicken chili is ideal for prepping ahead and enjoying throughout the week, as its flavors deepen with time. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline your weekly menu and let CookifyAI automatically create a unified shopping list for all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all recipes for efficient shopping
– Organizes grocery lists by store section to speed up your trip
– Prevents duplicated ingredients and missed items
– Makes weekday dinners stress-free and organized

Pro tip: Planning other chili nights or Tex-Mex dishes this week? Schedule your meals in CookifyAI to see overlapping ingredients—saving you money and minimizing waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

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