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Creamy White Chicken Chili: Easy Budget Family Dinner

creamy white chicken chili - featured image

This creamy white chicken chili is a quick, budget-friendly weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s rich, comforting, and made with simple pantry staples like rotisserie chicken, white beans, and cream cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (mild or hot)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (mild blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Blend the Creamy Base: While onion cooks, drain and rinse one can of beans. In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine the drained beans with softened cream cheese and 1 cup chicken broth. Blend until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
  3. Combine Everything: To the pot with onion and garlic, add the remaining can of beans (drained and rinsed), frozen corn, diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the remaining 3 cups chicken broth and the blended cream cheese mixture. Stir well.
  4. Simmer the Chili: Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the Chicken: Stir in shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

For the creamiest result, use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature. If the chili is too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered. This chili tastes even better the next day. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, budget dinner, easy weeknight meal, rotisserie chicken recipe, comfort food