Creamy White Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore this creamy white chili because it combines everything I love in a dish: simplicity, flavor, and a satisfying creamy texture. It’s quick to prepare, with a total time of just 55 minutes, and the combination of chicken, beans, and flavorful spices creates a rich and comforting meal. The sour cream and heavy cream give the chili an indulgent creaminess, making it a perfect choice for a chilly evening. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to customize!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 (15.5 ounce) cans great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

• 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the chicken and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken, chopped onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10-15 minutes.

2. Add the beans and seasonings: Stir in the beans, chicken broth, green chiles, salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

3. Add creaminess: Remove the chili from the heat and stir in the sour cream and heavy whipping cream. Mix well until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

4. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. For extra flavor, I love to top it with a dollop of sour cream and fresh jalapeño slices. Tortilla chips on the side add a nice crunch!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 servings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add more spice: If you want to kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or some fresh diced jalapeños.

• Use different beans: Great Northern beans are the base for this chili, but you can also swap in cannellini beans or even pinto beans for a different twist.

• Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and substitute with plant-based protein or just add extra beans for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy white chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or heat in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much during storage.

Can you freeze it? Yes! You can freeze this chili for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken, you can substitute with turkey or even ground chicken for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this chili spicier?

Yes! If you like your chili spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper or even toss in some diced fresh jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to boost the heat.

What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the chili will be less rich and creamy.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or omit it altogether if you prefer. The chili will still be creamy and delicious!

Conclusion

This creamy white chicken chili is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s quick to make and can easily be customized to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal for yourself, this chili is sure to impress. The smooth texture and rich flavors make it a guaranteed hit every time!

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