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Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe with Cream Cheese

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A quick and easy creamy white chicken chili with cream cheese that delivers comforting, velvety texture and mild spice, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, mild or medium
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups (1 quart) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, lime wedges, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice the onion finely, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring often to avoid burning.
  4. Add the chicken chunks to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside but not fully cooked through.
  5. Stir in cumin, oregano, chili powder, and the canned diced green chilies. Let the spices bloom for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed white beans. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
  7. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if the chili becomes too thick.
  8. Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and stir into the pot. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is creamy and smooth, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in most of the chopped cilantro, reserving some for garnish.
  10. Ladle chili into bowls and add optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

If cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave for 10-15 seconds before adding to help it incorporate smoothly. Stir gently but constantly when adding cream cheese to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture. Adjust salt after tasting as broth and canned ingredients vary in saltiness. For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with coconut or cashew cream and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/creamy-white-chicken-chili-recipe-with-cream-cheese-easy-and-perfect-for-comfort-food-lovers/