Award-Winning White Chicken Chili

As a mom of three, my kitchen is the heartbeat of our home. On chilly Friday nights in the Midwest, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of soup. Years ago, I entered our local church cook-off with a recipe I had perfected over dozens of family dinners.

When the judges announced the winner, I couldn’t believe it. My Award-Winning White Chicken Chili took home the blue ribbon! Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household.

I believe food is love, and this dish represents exactly that. It offers comfort, nourishment, and a hint of spice that brings everyone to the table. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting a neighborhood gathering, this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili never fails to impress.

It is creamy, hearty, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Over the years, I have shared this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili with countless friends. Each time, they ask for the secret ingredient. Today, I am sharing every secret with you so you can recreate this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe

You will absolutely adore this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili because it balances rich flavors with healthy ingredients. Most traditional chilis rely on heavy tomato bases, but this version uses a velvety, cream-based broth. It feels indulgent yet remains light enough for a weeknight meal.

Furthermore, this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili is incredibly versatile. You can make it in a slow cooker, a pressure cooker, or right on the stovetop. As a busy mom, I appreciate recipes that adapt to my schedule.

Additionally, the mild heat from the green chiles makes this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili kid-friendly. My little ones always ask for seconds, which is the ultimate win in my book. The combination of tender chicken and creamy beans provides plenty of protein.

Consequently, you will feel full and satisfied long after the meal ends. This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Truly, this is the best Award-Winning White Chicken Chili you will ever taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, you need fresh and high-quality ingredients. I always suggest using organic chicken broth when possible for a deeper flavor profile. The creamy texture of this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili comes from a blend of white beans and a touch of dairy.

Surprisingly, a small amount of cream cheese goes a long way in making this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili stand out from the rest. Below is the complete list of everything you need to get started.

Substitutions & Variations

I know how it goes when you realize you’re missing an ingredient for your Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. Fortunately, this recipe is very forgiving. If you don’t have Great Northern beans, Cannellini beans work perfectly well in this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili.

They have a similar creamy texture that maintains the integrity of the dish. For a dairy-free version of this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative or full-fat coconut milk. However, the flavor profile will shift slightly.

If you want a spicier Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sautéing process. Conversely, if you want a leaner Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, you can use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream at the very end.

Some people even like to add corn to their Award-Winning White Chicken Chili for a bit of sweetness and crunch. Feel free to experiment and make this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili your own.

Even with substitutions, the core flavor remains delicious and satisfying. For a comprehensive guide to mastering this dish and other variations, check out our full Award Winning White Chicken Chili Recipe. You’ll find all the details to make it perfectly, every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili is a straightforward process that yields professional results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Award-Winning White Chicken Chili achieves that signature creamy consistency. I always start by prepping all my vegetables to keep the process stress-free.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This usually takes about five minutes.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn, as it will make the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili bitter.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Once the onions and garlic are ready, stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Toasting the spices for about 30 seconds helps release their essential oils. This step is crucial for an Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. Immediately pour in the diced green chiles and stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Chili

Now, add the chicken broth and the drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili simmer for about 20 minutes.

This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. During this time, the beans will soften slightly, thickening the broth naturally.

Step 4: Add the Protein

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through. Using rotisserie chicken makes this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili incredibly fast to prepare on busy weeknights. Continue to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: The Creamy Finish

This is the most important step for your Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream.

Whisk gently until the cream cheese melts completely into the broth. You will see the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili transform into a rich, velvety masterpiece. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for Success

To truly elevate your Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, I have a few “mom secrets” to share. First, try mashing a half cup of the beans before adding them to the pot. This creates a natural thickener that gives the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili a more rustic, hearty feel.

Second, always use fresh lime juice right before serving. The acidity cuts through the richness of the dairy and brightens every bite of the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. Third, don’t rush the simmering process.

While you can make this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili quickly, a slow simmer develops deeper layers of flavor. Finally, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth Award-Winning White Chicken Chili texture.

These simple tweaks elevate your chili, making it a perfect example of how a few steps can create a phenomenal dish. If you love the convenience of delicious meals prepared in a single pot, explore more options with our collection of Easy One Pot Meals – 22+ Quick Dinner Recipes. Discover more time-saving solutions for busy weeknights.

Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers of this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, you are in luck! Many people believe that this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili tastes even better the next day. Store the cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili on the stovetop over low heat. If the broth has thickened too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also freeze this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili for up to three months.

To do this, let it cool completely and place it in freezer-safe bags. When you want to serve it, thaw the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Avoid boiling the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili during reheating to prevent the dairy from separating.

What to Serve With This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili

The right side dishes can turn this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili into a complete feast. In our house, we always serve it with a side of golden cornbread. The sweetness of the corn perfectly complements the savory notes of the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili.

Additionally, a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. For toppings, I set out bowls of sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream. Tortilla chips are also a must-have for dipping into the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili.

If you want a more substantial meal, serve the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili over a bed of fluffy white rice. No matter how you serve it, this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili will be the star of the show.

Planning these perfect accompaniments can make mealtime much easier and more enjoyable. For those committed to making healthy eating a regular part of their routine, understanding how to prepare and store meals efficiently is key, similar to what’s explored in The Ultimate Guide to Halal Food Prep Meals for a Healthier Lifestyle. Thoughtful preparation extends beyond just main dishes to a holistic approach to your diet.

FAQs

Can I make this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili in a Crockpot?

Yes, absolutely! You can easily adapt this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili for a slow cooker. Simply add the chicken, beans, broth, onions, garlic, and spices to the pot.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili spicy?

This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili is generally mild. The canned green chiles provide flavor without intense heat. However, if you are sensitive to spice, ensure you buy “mild” chiles. If you want more heat in your Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, you can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked chicken?

Certainly! You can poach raw chicken breasts directly in the broth of the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. Once they are cooked through, remove them, shred them with two forks, and add them back to the pot. This adds a little more time to the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili preparation but yields very tender meat.

How do I make the chili thicker?

If you prefer a thicker Award-Winning White Chicken Chili, you have a few options. You can simmer it uncovered for a longer period. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the boiling Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. As mentioned before, mashing some of the beans also works wonders.

White chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful stew that deviates from traditional tomato-based chili recipes by featuring a creamy broth, often with white beans, chicken, and green chiles. This popular dish is a delicious variation of chili, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying experience.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili is a balanced meal that provides plenty of energy. Below is an estimate of the nutritional content for one serving of the Award-Winning White Chicken Chili. Please note that these values may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you choose.

I hope your family enjoys this Award-Winning White Chicken Chili as much as mine does. It is truly a labor of love that I am honored to share with you. This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili is more than just a recipe; it is a way to bring people together and share a moment of warmth. Happy cooking!

Award-Winning White Chicken Chili

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This Award-Winning White Chicken Chili is a cherished family recipe, perfected over dozens of dinners and a blue ribbon winner at a local church cook-off. It's a creamy, hearty, and surprisingly simple dish that offers comfort, nourishment, and a hint of spice. Unlike traditional chilis with heavy tomato bases, this version features a velvety, cream-based broth, balancing rich flavors with healthy ingredients. It's versatile, adaptable for slow cooker, pressure cooker, or stovetop, and its mild heat makes it kid-friendly. This chili provides plenty of protein from tender chicken and creamy beans, making it satisfying and perfect for meal prep as it freezes beautifully.

• Total Time: 60 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 Cups Cooked Chicke
2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern Beans
4 Cups Chicken Broth
2 (4 oz) cans Diced Green Chiles
1 Medium Yellow Onio
3 Cloves Garlic
4 oz Cream Cheese
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
2 tsp Cumi
1 tsp Coriander
1/2 tsp Chili Powder
1 tbsp Olive Oil
To taste Salt
To taste Pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent (about five minutes). Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not bur
2. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their essential oils. Immediately pour in the diced green chiles and stir to combine
3. Add the chicken broth and the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the beans to soften, naturally thickening the broth
4. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through. Continue to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes
5. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk gently until the cream cheese melts completely into the broth, creating a rich, velvety consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Notes

For a thicker, heartier chili, mash about half a cup of the beans before adding them to the pot.

Always add a splash of fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors.

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.

Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Avoid boiling when reheating to prevent dairy separation.

• Author: Ashley Chen
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: N/A
• Trans Fat: N/A
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg