There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chili on a chilly day, isn’t there? Growing up, my mom would whip up big pots of chili whenever the weather turned crisp, and the smells wafting through our home were nothing short of magic. I can still hear the clanking of the spoon against the pot and feel the warmth of our family gathered around the kitchen table, laughing and sharing stories. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: Easy White Chicken Chili. This dish brings all those nostalgic feelings back while being deliciously easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.

The beauty of this chili lies in its creamy texture, hint of spice, and the heartiness of tender chicken. Plus, it’s super adaptable—you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand or adjust the spices to your liking. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s on the table in no time.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: Creamy, savory, and a little kick of spice to warm you up.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite ingredients and toppings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers or freezing for busy nights.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easy White Chicken Chili:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option!)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. Let it warm up for about a minute.
2. Sauté the veggies: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it’s nice and translucent. You can almost hear the veggies singing as they cook! Then, toss in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, making sure it gets coated in all those beautiful spices.
4. Dump in the beans and chiles: Add the white beans, diced green chiles, and the corn. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Pour in the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
6. Season it up: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away, so start with a little and build from there!
7. Let it simmer: Allow the chili to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is when all the flavors meld together beautifully. The smell will be irresistible!
8. Finish with creaminess: Once you’re ready to serve, stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you prefer). This gives your chili that luscious, creamy texture. You’ll want to dive in!

Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of lime juice or a handful of chopped cilantro right before serving. It adds a fresh zing that pairs perfectly with the chili.

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve got the base down, let’s talk about how to make this recipe your own!

• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your sautéed veggies.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can be great additions. Just toss them in when you add the chicken to let them soften.
• Swap the protein: Ground turkey or even vegetarian options like tempeh or chickpeas can easily replace chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Garnish with love: Top with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some diced avocado for added richness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy White Chicken Chili is perfect all on its own, but there are so many ways to elevate your bowl! I love serving it with warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last bite. You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal or with a side salad to brighten things up. If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or a spicy margarita for a complete cozy night in!

And don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar work wonderfully), a squeeze of fresh lime, and a handful of cilantro can make your bowl as pretty as it is delicious.

Storage Tips

One of the best things about this Easy White Chicken Chili is how well it keeps! If you have leftovers (which is likely because it’s irresistible!), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

Want to save some for later? You can freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room at the top for expansion, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer them to your slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients (minus the sour cream). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the sour cream right before serving.

Is there a way to make this chili dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or simply leave it out altogether. The chili will still be delicious and creamy thanks to the beans!

What can I serve with this chili?

Great question! It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. If you’re looking for something heartier, serve it over rice or quinoa.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can! Just add frozen chicken breasts directly to the pot at the beginning with the broth and cook until fully cooked through. You’ll need to extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

How do I adjust the spice level?

If you like it spicier, try adding more chili powder or some diced jalapeños. For a milder version, use less chili powder or omit spices that add heat. It’s all about finding that perfect balance for your taste buds!

Conclusion

So there you have it—Easy White Chicken Chili that’s not only simple to whip up but also bursting with flavor and comforting goodness. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hopefully create a few warm memories of your own! If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below or share your favorite twist on this classic dish. Happy cooking, my friend!

Ultimate Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe for Quick Meals

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover a quick meal with this ultimate, easy white chicken chili recipe. Perfect for busy nights, it’s delicious and satisfying! 146 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

1 teaspoon of chili powder

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1 lb of cooked chicken breast, shredded

2 cans (15 oz each) of white beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (4 oz) of diced green chiles

4 cups of chicken broth

1 cup of corn (frozen or canned)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado, lime wedges

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat for about a minute.

Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

Stir in the shredded chicken, making sure it's coated in the spices.

Add the white beans, diced green chiles, and corn, stirring to combine.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Allow the chili to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Notes

Easy White Chicken Chili is a comforting dish that’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 28 grams

Keywords: white chicken chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food, cozy dinner