Creamy Dream White Chicken Chili Recipe with Cream Cheese

Chili lovers rejoice as this white chicken chili recipe reinvents comfort food with a creamy twist.

Tender shredded chicken swims deliciously in a rich, velvety broth that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Packed with hearty beans and subtle spices, this dish delivers robust flavors in every spoonful.

Green chiles add a zesty kick that dances across your palate.

The secret weapon – cream cheese – creates an incredibly smooth and luxurious texture that sets this chili apart from traditional recipes.

Fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese provide the perfect finishing touch to this irresistible meal.

Prepare to savor a chili that will quickly become a weeknight dinner favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Make White Chicken Chili With Cream Cheese

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky foundation for sautéing and enhancing flavors with a smooth, light touch.
• Onions: Builds a sweet, aromatic base that adds depth and richness to the chili's overall taste profile.

• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent warmth that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Green Chilies: Introduces a tangy, mild heat with a fresh vegetable undertone.
• Cumin: Delivers an earthy, warm spice that's quintessential in southwestern cooking.
• Chili Powder: Contributes a robust, slightly smoky heat that defines the chili's character.
• Paprika: Adds a gentle, sweet pepper essence with a vibrant red color.
• Oregano: Infuses a Mediterranean herbal note that complements the spicy elements.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances all the other flavors in the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Provides a sharp, slightly hot kick that brightens the overall seasoning.

Tools That Keep White Chicken Chili

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing ingredients and simmering the chili.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like cumin and chili powder.
• Can Opener: Useful for opening canned green chilies.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure ingredients precisely.

Cooking Instructions for White Chicken Chili

• Warm Up the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful foundation for your chili.

• Soften the Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet essence.

• Build Layers of Flavor

Sprinkle in garlic, green chilies, and a symphony of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices dance and become wonderfully aromatic.

• Brown the Chicken

Add diced chicken and cook until it turns golden and starts to develop delicious crispy edges.

• Simmer and Meld

Pour in chicken broth and white beans, allowing everything to bubble gently and blend together, creating a rich, comforting base.

• Creamy Transformation

Stir in cream cheese, breaking it down until it melts completely and transforms the chili into a luxuriously smooth and creamy delight.

• Final Touch

Let the chili simmer for 15-20 minutes, thickening and allowing all the flavors to intertwine perfectly.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Fun Twists for Your Chicken Chili Bowl

• Perfect Texture Trick: Soften cream cheese at room temperature before adding to ensure a smooth, lump-free chili that blends seamlessly into the broth.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional beans with cauliflower or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the hearty texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick without overwhelming the dish's creamy base.
• Instant Pot Adaptation: Convert this stovetop recipe to a pressure cooker by sautéing ingredients first, then cooking on high pressure for 10 minutes to reduce overall cooking time and intensify flavors.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that still delivers rich, velvety consistency.

Serving Ideas for White Chicken Chili Perfection

• Cozy Soup Companion: Serve this creamy white chicken chili with warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded monterey jack cheese, fresh chopped cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream on top to add texture and zesty freshness.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair the chili with a light mixed green salad dressed in a lime vinaigrette to balance the rich and creamy soup, creating a perfectly balanced meal that satisfies both comfort and nutrition cravings.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making this chili an excellent option for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners that taste even better the next day.

Save and Reheat Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy delicious meals for up to 4 days while maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Carefully pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, lasting up to 3 months without compromising taste quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chili slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if mixture seems thick. Microwave option works great too – heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide chili into individual serving containers before refrigerating. Grab-and-go lunches become super easy, reducing meal prep stress and ensuring quick, delicious nutrition throughout the week.

Smooth White Chicken Chili Recipe With Cream Cheese

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

White Chicken Chili delivers a creamy, comforting Mexican-inspired dish packed with tender chicken and rich flavors. Home cooks will discover a hearty meal that warms both body and soul with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans
• 4 oz cream cheese (cubed, softened)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• ½ cup frozen or canned corn
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Sliced jalapenos
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then sauté onions until translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics.
2. Layer Spices: Introduce minced garlic, roasted green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing spices to bloom and intensify for 30 seconds.
3. Integrate Protein: Add shredded chicken to the fragrant base, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the spice mixture.
4. Develop Liquid Foundation: Pour in chicken broth and white beans, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and allowing flavors to meld for 15-20 minutes.
5. Enrich Texture: Fold in softened cream cheese, stirring until completely integrated, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
6. Finalize Dish: Taste and adjust seasonings, then serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

• Boost Spice Depth: Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their complex flavor profile and release aromatic oils.
• Prevent Cream Cheese Clumping: Soften cream cheese at room temperature and whisk it gradually into the chili to ensure smooth, silky integration without lumps.
• Control Thickness Wisely: Allow chili to simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken; if too thick, add small amounts of chicken broth to maintain desired consistency.
• Protein Flexibility: Easily swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like shredded jackfruit for dietary preferences or convenience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg