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Creamy White Chicken Chili with Cannellini Beans

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This creamy twist on traditional chili combines shredded chicken with white beans and gentle spices in a cream cheese-enriched broth. Using rotisserie chicken saves time while adding rich flavor.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:27:56 GMT
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A bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with avocado, shredded cheese, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips on the side. Pin it
A bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with avocado, shredded cheese, and cilantro, served with tortilla chips on the side. | recipesim.com

I stumbled upon this White Chicken Chili recipe one winter when I wanted something different from traditional beef chili. Now it's become our family's favorite comfort food! The combination of tender chicken creamy broth and perfect spices makes everyone come back for seconds. Plus it's lighter than regular chili but still totally satisfying.

Why This Chili is Extra Special

This isn't your ordinary chili! The creamy broth loaded with chicken and warming spices creates pure comfort in a bowl. I love how quick it comes together using ingredients I usually have on hand and everyone can dress up their bowl exactly how they like it.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken: I usually grab a rotisserie chicken to make life easier.
  • Onion and Garlic: Fresh ones make all the difference.
  • Chicken Broth: Homemade is amazing but store-bought works great too.
  • Green Chilies: Just enough for flavor not too spicy.
  • Spices: My perfect blend of warming spices.
  • Cannellini Beans: Some whole some mashed for creaminess.
  • Corn: Adds the perfect sweet pop.
  • Neufchatel Cheese: Makes everything extra creamy.
  • Fresh Lime: Trust me it makes everything brighter.
  • Cilantro: For that fresh finish.
  • Toppings: Go wild with avocado cheese chips whatever you love!

Let's Make Some Chili

Start With Flavor
Get those onions nice and soft then add your garlic just until it smells amazing.
Build Your Base
Pour in that broth chilies and all those wonderful spices let them get to know each other.
Bean Magic
Mash up some beans for creaminess keep the rest whole for texture.
Make It Creamy
Stir in your cheese corn and all those beans let everything get happy together.
Finish Strong
Add your chicken lime juice and cilantro then top with all your favorites.
A bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with shredded cheese and cilantro, accompanied by tortilla chips and lime wedges in the background. Pin it
A bowl of creamy chicken soup topped with shredded cheese and cilantro, accompanied by tortilla chips and lime wedges in the background. | recipesim.com

Crockpot Version

Love your slow cooker? Just throw raw chicken breasts in with the broth spices and chilies. Add those creamy elements later and let it all cook together. About 3 hours on high or 6 on low and dinner's ready!

Keeping It Fresh

This chili keeps beautifully in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for busy nights. When you reheat it just add a splash of broth if it's gotten too thick.

My Best Tips

That bean-mashing trick makes the creamiest chili ever. Rotisserie chicken is such a time-saver and adds great flavor. Don't skip that fresh lime and cilantro at the end they make everything taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why puree some of the beans?

Pureeing helps thicken the chili and makes it creamier, even without a food processor.

→ Why use rotisserie chicken?

It saves time and adds more flavor than plain chicken breast. Plus it won't overcook.

→ Can I use regular cream cheese?

Yes, Neufchatel is just a lighter version. Regular cream cheese works fine.

→ How spicy is this?

Mild-medium with the given spices. Adjust cayenne to taste.

→ Can I freeze this?

Yes, but cream-based soups may separate slightly. Reheat gently.

White Chicken Chili

A creamy and comforting white chili featuring shredded chicken, cannellini beans, and cream cheese. Perfect alternative to traditional red chili.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (8 cups)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 small yellow onion, diced.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 2 cloves garlic, minced.
04 2 cans (14.5 oz each) low-sodium chicken broth.
05 1 can (7 oz) diced green chilies.
06 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin.
07 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
08 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
09 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander.
10 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
11 Salt and black pepper to taste.
12 8 oz Neufchatel cheese, cubed.
13 1 1/4 cup corn.
14 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans.
15 2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken.
16 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice.
17 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped.
18 Tortilla chips (for serving).
19 Monterey jack cheese (for serving).
20 Avocado slices (for serving).
21 Extra cilantro (for serving).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large pot.

Step 02

Sauté onion for 4 minutes.

Step 03

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 04

Add chicken broth, diced green chilies, and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 05

Drain and rinse the cannellini beans.

Step 06

Puree 1 cup of beans with 1/4 cup of broth in a food processor.

Step 07

Add cream cheese, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans to the pot.

Step 08

Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 09

Stir in shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro.

Step 10

Serve the soup with tortilla chips, Monterey jack cheese, avocado slices, and extra cilantro as optional toppings.

Notes

  1. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken adds flavor and prevents overcooking.
  2. Pureeing some beans helps thicken the soup.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.
  • Food processor.
  • Fine mesh strainer.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 32 g