A Simple Welcome to Your New Favorite Chili
This Award Winning White Chicken Chili is creamy, mild, and full of cozy flavor. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker or on the stove. You can serve it for weeknight dinners or a casual get-together. If you like simple, comforting meals, this one delivers. For a different chicken spin, you might also enjoy this deliciously simple sweet chili chicken: deliciously simple sweet chili chicken you’ll love.
Why This Chili Stands Out
This chili balances tender shredded chicken, creamy beans, and a gentle kick from green chilies. It uses common pantry ingredients and needs little hands-on time. The slow cooker option makes it nearly foolproof, and the stovetop method is quick when you need dinner fast. If you enjoy easy, satisfying chicken dishes, check out another quick favorite: air fryer hot chicken and cheese wraps.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Award Winning White Chicken Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Directions:
- In a slow cooker or pot, combine the shredded chicken, onion, garlic, white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If using the stovetop, bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream before serving.
- Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro if desired.
Best Ways to Serve This Award Winning White Chicken Chili
Serve it hot in bowls with crusty bread or tortilla chips on the side. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese to make it extra comforting. For a lighter touch, top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. If you want additional warm bowls or soups to serve with this, try pairing with this anti-inflammatory turmeric chicken soup.
How to Store Leftovers and Reheat
Cool the chili to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Tips for a Smooth, Flavorful Chili
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roast for quick prep.
- Rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt and spices near the end of cooking.
- If you want a thicker chili, mash a few beans before serving.
- For more depth, sauté the onion and garlic first in a little oil, then add to the slow cooker.
Simple Variations You Can Try
- Add corn or diced bell peppers for color and sweetness.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter finish.
- Stir in a small amount of chopped jalapeño for more heat.
- Swap white beans for great northern or cannellini beans for texture differences.
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated per serving (varies by exact ingredients and portions):
- Calories: ~350–450
- Protein: 25–35 g
- Fat: 12–18 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–30 g
- Fiber: 6–8 g
These are rough estimates. For precise values, calculate based on the brands and amounts you use.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
This chili works well for kids and adults. Serve with simple sides like rice, crackers, or grilled cheese. Offer toppings separately so everyone can customize their bowl. It also makes great leftovers for school lunches or quick dinner nights.
Perfect Things to Serve Alongside This Chili
Pair with cornbread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a Tex-Mex twist, place it over rice or in baked potatoes. A crisp, light beer or a citrusy white wine complements the creamy profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes. Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or omit it. If you skip it, the chili will be less rich but still flavorful.
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: You can, but cook times will change. If using raw chicken in a slow cooker, cook on low 6-8 hours or until chicken reaches safe temperature, then shred and stir in cream at the end.
Q: How can I thicken the chili?
A: Mash some beans into the chili or simmer uncovered on the stove to reduce liquid. A small cornstarch slurry can also thicken it—add near the end and heat until thick.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, it’s mild. The green chilies add gentle heat. Add jalapeño or extra chili powder for more spice.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace chicken with extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and reduce or remove the cream if desired.
Conclusion
If you want more inspiration or variations of this beloved recipe, check out this version from Panning The Globe: Award Winning White Chicken Chili – Panning The Globe. For another trusted take, see the popular recipe on Allrecipes: Award-Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe. And for tips and a different style, Cooking Classy offers a well-loved take here: White Chicken Chili (BEST EVER!) – Cooking Classy .
White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken.
- 1 each onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed Rinsing reduces sodium and improves flavor.
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 4 cups chicken broth Use low sodium if preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- sour cream For serving.
- shredded cheese For serving.
- cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a slow cooker or pot, combine the shredded chicken, onion, garlic, white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- If using the stovetop, bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
Finishing Touch
- Stir in the heavy cream before serving.
