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Creamy White Chicken Chili Ready in 30 Minutes

creamy white chicken chili - featured image

This creamy white chicken chili delivers deep, soul-warming satisfaction in just 30 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder with a luscious, velvety texture from cream cheese and blended beans, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips or strips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics (5 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Toast the Spices (1 minute): Stir in cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the Chicken and Broth (5 minutes): Pour in chicken broth. Add chicken breasts. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
  4. Remove and Shred the Chicken (5 minutes): Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest, then shred with two forks.
  5. Blend the Creamy Base (2 minutes): In a blender, combine one can of drained beans and 1/2 cup hot broth. Blend until smooth.
  6. Combine Everything (5 minutes): Return shredded chicken to pot. Add remaining whole beans, blended bean mixture, diced green chiles, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is melted.
  7. Simmer and Finish (5 minutes): Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of cream cheese. For spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño with the onion or stir in chipotle powder. Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid clumping. If chili is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered. Taste before adding extra salt as broth can be salty.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, quick chili, one-pot chili, weeknight dinner, comfort food