As the weather turns cooler, I find myself reaching for cozy, comforting meals like this White Chicken Chili.
This recipe is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor from tender chicken, beans, and a zesty ranch seasoning.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s a dish that will warm your soul with every bite.
White Chicken Chili is a creamy and satisfying one-pot meal featuring chicken, white beans, and flavorful seasonings.
It’s an easy recipe made with pantry staples, ideal for chilly evenings, and a perfect dish to feed a crowd.
White Chicken Chili
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes30
minutes350
kcalIngredients
- For the Chili:
2 chicken breasts (or 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken)
2 (15 oz) cans white beans (e.g., Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (dip or dressing mix)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional Toppings:
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Diced avocado
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Sour cream
Tortilla chips
Directions
- Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Cube the cream cheese and set it aside to soften.
- Step 2: Sauté the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Step 3: Build the Chili Base
- Add the chicken broth, white beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pot.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Submerge the chicken breasts in the chili mixture.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover partially and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Step 5: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- Step 6: Add the Creaminess
- Add the cream cheese cubes to the pot and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Step 7: Final Touches
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and adjust salt to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 3 minutes or until the chili reaches your desired thickness.
- Step 8: Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chicken Options: Substitute with store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken for convenience.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice preference. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Thicker Chili: Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze the chili (without the cream cheese) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and stir in the cream cheese when serving.
