Savor the comforting flavors of creamy white chicken chili with this easy recipe! Packed with tender chicken, great northern beans, and a touch of spice, it's perfect for cozy nights. Discover step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish and wow your family and friends. Don't miss out—click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a bowl of warmth today!
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves and ripe avocado slices, for garnish
![- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (15 oz) great northern beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves and ripe avocado slices, for garnish Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making white chicken chili. Each item adds a unique flavor and texture. The olive oil brings richness, while the onion and garlic offer a great base. Chicken breasts provide the heartiness we crave in a chili. The beans and corn add creaminess and a touch of sweetness. Spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika create warmth and depth. The chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. Finally, heavy cream makes the chili rich and smooth. Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro and avocado slices make the dish pop. They add a fresh touch and make it more inviting. For the full recipe and instructions, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. - Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 1 minute until it smells good. - Now, add the diced chicken to the pot. Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until it is brown on all sides. - Gently fold in the drained great northern beans and diced green chilies. - Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. - Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally. - After 20 minutes, add the corn kernels and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. - Allow it to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This makes the chili thick and creamy. - Carefully taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper to your liking. - Serve the chili hot in bowls. Top each bowl with fresh cilantro and ripe avocado slices. - For an extra touch, serve tortilla chips on the side for crunch. This adds texture to your meal. For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To make your white chicken chili shine, avoid burning the garlic. When you sauté garlic, it should be fragrant but not brown. If it burns, it can make your chili taste bitter. Always stir the garlic for a minute before adding other ingredients. Next, simmer your chili to reach the thickness you want. A longer simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully. If you want a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered for a while. This helps steam escape and thickens the mix just right. Garnish your chili with fresh cilantro and ripe avocado slices. They add color and flavor that brighten each bowl. You can also serve it with tortilla chips. The crunch of the chips pairs well with the creamy chili. It makes for a fun and tasty scoop! Adjust the spices to match your taste. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or cumin. Taste as you go to find your ideal balance. For a creamy consistency, be sure to mix in the heavy cream slowly. Stir it in well to ensure it blends perfectly. If your chili is too thick, a splash of chicken broth can help. This keeps it creamy without losing flavor. Enjoy your cooking! For the full recipe, check out the Creamy White Chicken Chili section above. {{image_4}} You can easily modify this white chicken chili for different diets. For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the chicken for mushrooms or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For gluten-free options, check that your broth and spices are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a bowl of comforting chili without worry. To make your chili pop with flavor, try adding different chili peppers. Jalapeños can add heat, while poblanos bring a mild, smoky taste. You can also include more vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can enhance the dish. They add texture and nutrition, making it even better! This chili fits any season. In winter, add warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices create a cozy vibe. In summer, brighten it up with fresh herbs. Basil, cilantro, or even mint can give a refreshing twist. Using seasonal ingredients can make your chili feel new and exciting every time you make it. To store leftover chili, let it cool down first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat it, pour it into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This helps it warm evenly. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl if you prefer the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to keep the chili longer, freezing is a great choice. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, take the chili out of the freezer. The best way to thaw it is in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, you can thaw it in the microwave. Just remember to stir it often. When reheating, check the texture. If it seems too thick, add a little broth or water to get it just right. For more cooking tips, check out the Full Recipe for creamy white chicken chili! What can I substitute for heavy cream in white chicken chili? You can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These will give you a creamy texture without heavy cream's richness. How do I make white chicken chili thicker? To thicken your chili, you can mash some of the beans. Alternatively, add a cornstarch slurry. Mix cornstarch with water and stir it in while cooking. Can I use canned chicken? Yes, using canned chicken is a great time-saver. Just drain and add it to your chili. It cuts down on prep time but may alter the texture slightly. How long can I store white chicken chili in the fridge? Store it in an airtight container for up to four days. Make sure to let it cool before putting it in the fridge. Can I make it spicier? Absolutely! Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños for more heat. You can also use hot green chilies instead of mild ones. How to enhance the flavor of white chicken chili? To boost the flavor, add fresh lime juice or zest. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley also enhance the dish. A dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika adds depth. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. You now have a complete guide to making white chicken chili. We covered all the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. Remember to adjust spices and try different veggie options. Don’t forget tips on storing and reheating leftovers. The flexibility of this dish means you can make it your own. Whether you want it spicy or mild, the choice is yours. Enjoy your delicious, creamy chili and make it a go-to recipe for any time!](https://meltedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/89466853-fbac-4b91-ade5-c0f8bda27767-300x300.webp)