White Chicken Chili
This White Chicken Chili is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender chicken, cannellini beans, green chilies, and a smooth, creamy broth infused with warm spices like cumin and oregano, it offers a mild yet flavorful meal that’s easy to customize and family-friendly.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein and Dairy
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
Beans and Vegetables
- 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream dollop
- Crispy bacon bits or toasted pepitas
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, to build the foundational flavor.
- Add the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, to keep it juicy.
- Combine the Broth and Beans: Pour in the chicken broth along with the rinsed cannellini beans and diced green chilies. Stir to combine, bringing heartiness and classic flavor to the chili.
- Season the Chili: Sprinkle in ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the mixture with spices, infusing warmth and complexity into the broth.
- Simmer Until Tender: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Stir in Cream: Remove from heat and gently stir in the heavy cream or sour cream to achieve a luscious, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh cumin and oregano for the best flavor.
- Cook chicken just until juices run clear to keep it tender and juicy.
- Simmer low and slow to meld flavors without breaking down the beans.
- Add cream gradually and taste as you go for preferred creaminess.
- Garnish generously with fresh herbs and toppings to add texture and brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chicken chili, easy chili recipe, gluten free chili, comfort food, mild chili, healthy chili