Description
This Creamy White Chicken Chili is a comforting and flavorful bowl perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy Neufchatel cheese, cannellini beans, and a mild kick from green chiles, it’s an easy one-pot meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. Ideal for cooler evenings, this chili is rich, smooth, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 3 cups Cooked, Shredded Chicken (Use pre-cooked chicken)
Beans
- 2 cans Cannellini Beans (Rinse well)
Dairy
- 8 ounces Neufchatel Cheese (Can substitute with cream cheese)
- 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Can substitute with avocado)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro (Chopped, optional)
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 can Green Chiles (Adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Beans: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the rinsed cannellini beans to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Chicken and Chiles: Add the shredded pre-cooked chicken and the canned green chiles into the pot. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly and continue to simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld.
- Mix in Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Cut the Neufchatel cheese into smaller pieces and stir into the chili until melted and creamy. Then stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt to add richness and smooth texture. Heat through but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Add Cilantro and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro if using, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. Serve the creamy chicken chili warm, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Neufchatel cheese with cream cheese for similar creaminess.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier and healthier option.
- Adjust the amount of green chiles to control the spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cheese and sour cream with avocado and nondairy yogurt alternatives.
- This chili freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
