Creamy White Chicken Chili has become a go-to recipe in my household, especially during chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. This dish blends tender chicken with hearty white beans and a creamy broth, making it a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, inviting compliments from family and friends alike. What really sets it apart is its easy preparation and rich flavor that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Creamy White Chicken Chili brings together convenience, flavor, and nutrition, turning a simple dinner into a delightful experience. It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights, needing just a few hours in the slow cooker to develop its rich taste. With ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s budget-friendly and kid-approved, making it a winner for family meals or gatherings with friends. Plus, it boasts a wholesome profile thanks to the chicken and beans, offering protein while keeping the warmth comforting without heavy spices.
“This creamy chili was a hit at our dinner party! It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make. Everyone went back for seconds!”
Preparing Creamy White Chicken Chili
Making this dish is well worth the time and effort. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to serving up comfort in a bowl. Here’s an overview of the process: you’ll combine all your ingredients in a crockpot, let it cook, shred the chicken, mix in the cream, and garnish! It’s that easy. By the end, you’ll be rewarded with a warm, flavorful stew bursting with goodness.
What you’ll need
For this creamy delight, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Note that you can switch the heavy cream with sour cream based on your preference or use low-fat options if you’re watching calories.
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by adding the chicken, onion, garlic, white beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream until everything is well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this Creamy White Chicken Chili is all about presentation and pairing. Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness. You can also offer shredded cheese, diced avocados, or crispy tortilla strips as toppings for an added crunch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread muffins, or a simple green salad on the side for a complete meal.
Storage and reheating tips
To enjoy this chili later, make sure to store leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerated, it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Creamy White Chicken Chili turns out amazing every time:
- For added depth, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This enhances the flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, reduce the broth by one cup.
- Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to consider:
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or more chili powder.
- Swap out the white beans for black beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Try using rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts to save time.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare Creamy White Chicken Chili?
Prep time is minimal—usually around 10-15 minutes. The most time-consuming part is the slow cooking, which can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours depending on your setting.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Start with the frozen chicken breasts and increase the cooking time by about an hour. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
How should I store leftovers safely?
Store your leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh, and consume within 3-4 days. If freezing, keep it in a compatible freezer container.
PrintCreamy White Chicken Chili
A comforting and flavorful chili made with tender chicken, hearty white beans, and a creamy broth, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken, onion, garlic, white beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream until everything is well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or more chili powder. You can also swap the white beans for black beans for a different texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
