Introduction

This easy White Chicken Chili is a comforting bowl of creamy, mildly spiced goodness that’s perfect for a cozy dinner night. Packed with tender chicken, beans, and flavorful spices, it comes together quickly for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

A white bowl filled with creamy light beige soup that has shredded white chicken pieces, bright green peas, and yellow corn kernels spread evenly. There is a dollop of white sour cream on top, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves. Three triangular yellow tortilla chips are placed upright on one side inside the bowl. The bowl is sitting on a green-striped cloth on a white marbled surface, with a spoon partially visible on the right side, and blurred tortilla chips and lime wedges in white bowls in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 small yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese
1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Tortilla chips or strips, Monterey Jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and add diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Set aside 1 cup whole beans. Puree the remaining beans with 1/4 cup of the chili broth until nearly smooth for a creamy texture.
Step 4: Return to the pot and stir in Neufchatel cheese, corn, pureed beans, and whole beans. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
Step 5: Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Step 6: Serve the chili hot, topped with optional Monterey Jack cheese, extra cilantro, sliced avocado, and crispy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute Neufchatel cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or omit it entirely and add extra broth for creaminess.
You can use fresh grilled chicken or leftover turkey in place of rotisserie chicken.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the level of heat based on your preference.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the chili thickens too much. This chili can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy chicken soup that has a light beige color and a smooth texture. Inside the soup, there are visible shreds of white chicken meat, bright yellow corn kernels, and green peas scattered throughout. On top of the soup, there is a dollop of white sour cream garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves. Three triangular yellow tortilla chips are partially dipped into the soup on one side of the bowl. The bowl rests on a green and white cloth placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon nearby and a blurred background showing more tortilla chips and some lime wedges in white bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, add more beans or cooked tofu.

What can I use if I can’t find Neufchatel cheese?

Cream cheese is a good substitute for Neufchatel cheese as they have similar texture and mild flavor. You can also use sour cream or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for creaminess.