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White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

white chicken chili with cream cheese - featured image

A creamy and comforting white chicken chili made with tender chicken, cream cheese, white beans, and mild green chilies. Perfect for cozy weeknights and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced mild green chilies
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Dice or shred chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked through.
  5. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly and toast spices for 1 minute.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, drained beans, and diced green chilies. Stir gently to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Soften cream cheese if needed, then add in chunks to the pot. Stir until fully melted and combined. Simmer an additional 5 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder. Add broth or water if too thick.
  10. Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with desired toppings such as cilantro, jalapeños, shredded cheese, or lime wedges.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before adding to prevent clumps. Stir frequently after adding cream cheese to keep chili smooth and prevent sticking. Use thighs for juicier chili or breasts for leaner meat. Adjust spice level by modifying chili powder and green chilies. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or silken tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, cream cheese chili, creamy chicken chili, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal