White chicken chili has a warm place in my heart—and my kitchen. It’s that go-to recipe I whip up during chilly evenings or special gatherings when I want everyone to feel cozy. This award-winning version is creamy, bursting with flavor, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or just craving something comforting at home, this chili checks all the boxes!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this white chicken chili so delightful? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. You can toss everything into a slow cooker or an Instant Pot and let it do the heavy lifting while you attend to other things. It’s also budget-friendly, utilizing simple ingredients and offering great flavor and satisfaction without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; kids and adults alike will rave about it!
“This white chicken chili has become a family favorite! I love how creamy and flavorful it is, and it’s so easy to whip up on busy nights.” – A satisfied home cook
Preparing Award Winning White Chicken Chili
Making this chili is a breeze. In just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal that’s ready to serve. I’ll guide you through the cooking process, ensuring that nothing feels overwhelming. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious dish!
What You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list for this delicious chili:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Feel free to swap the white beans for great northern or cannellini beans if needed. For those looking for a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to whip up your award-winning white chicken chili:
- Combine Ingredients: In your choice of a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, mix the cooked chicken, white beans, chicken broth, salsa verde, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Slow Cooker: Set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stovetop: Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
- Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and then perform a quick release.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, and enjoy your creamy chili!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving white chicken chili, the possibilities are delightful. You can serve it in bowls topped with cilantro and perhaps a squeeze of lime. Pair it with warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider sides like a fresh salad or cornbread. Don’t forget to have some cheese on hand for those who want a cheesy kick!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (which is likely, because this recipe makes a good amount!), you can store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This chili also freezes beautifully! Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Always remember to cool it completely before freezing.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are a few pro tips to enhance your chili-making experience:
- Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for a fast shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Flavor Depth: Adding a dash of lime juice can brighten the flavors right before serving.
- Cook Time Flexibility: Feel free to adjust the cook time based on your method and how busy you are.
Creative Twists
Looking to spice things up? Here are some fun variations:
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or diced green chilies for extra heat.
- Herbes de Provence: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Healthy Swap: Use Greek yogurt in place of cream for a healthier version that still packs a punch.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10-15 minutes, depending on how quickly you can chop your ingredients.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! You can use shredded turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I ensure food safety when storing leftovers?
Make sure to let your chili cool before transferring it to storage containers. Consume it within 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
With this guide, you’ll whip up an award-winning white chicken chili that might just become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture that everyone loves!
PrintAward Winning White Chicken Chili
A creamy and flavorful white chicken chili that’s perfect for chilly evenings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot, combine the cooked chicken, white beans, chicken broth, salsa verde, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- For the Slow Cooker: Set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- For the Stovetop: Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
- For the Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and then perform a quick release.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Adjust cook times based on your cooking method. Adding a dash of lime juice can brighten the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
