Description
A rich, velvety white chicken chili that comes together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples like cream cheese, canned chicken, and white beans for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, drain beans and corn, and soften cream cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add chicken, beans, corn, and green chiles. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Notes
For best results, soften the cream cheese before adding to prevent clumping. Toasting the spices in oil releases their essential oils for deeper flavor. This chili does not freeze well due to the dairy; store in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the chili is too thin, simmer uncovered or use an immersion blender to puree some beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 32
Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, 30 minute dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, easy chili, cream cheese chili