Description
At its core, this particular cooking style is a bright and velvety alternative to standard tomato-based beef stews. An authentic Ultimate White Chicken Chili recipe focuses on a base of clear, savory poultry stock infused with mild, smoky green peppers rather than heavy red tomato pastes. The signature look comes from using pale ingredients like white beans, shredded chicken breast, and cream cheese, which unite to form a thick, beautiful ivory broth.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz/425 g each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz/115 g) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 4 oz (115 g) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla strips
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Build the Chili
- Add white beans, shredded chicken, chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- For a thicker chili, mash about 1 cup of the beans and stir them back into the pot.
4. Make It Creamy
- Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Add Greek yogurt and corn (if using).
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish and Serve
- Stir in fresh lime juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
Every spoonful of this White Chicken Chili delivers a delicious blend of creamy texture, savory chicken, and zesty flavor. Serve it with your favorite toppings for the ultimate comfort-food experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
- Calories: 390 kcal
Keywords: Creamy White Chicken Chili, Pork Free Chicken Chili, No Lard Chicken Stew