If you are searching for a comforting bowl that will warm your soul and excite your taste buds, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chile Recipe. This beautiful blend of tender shredded chicken, smooth white beans, and the gentle heat of green chilies comes together in a luscious, creamy broth that’s a total crowd-pleaser. Each spoonful delivers a perfect harmony of flavors—the savory richness of Monterey Jack cheese, the subtle smokiness of cumin and chili powder, all balanced with fresh garnishes to brighten every bite. Whether you need a hearty weeknight dinner or a soothing dish to cozy up with, this chile is sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this recipe’s delicious depth. Each component plays its own special role, from building layers of flavor to adding richness and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
- Olive oil: The perfect base to sauté your aromatics, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Boosts savory depth with its distinctive pungency.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken keeps things convenient and flavorful.
- White beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed: Creamy and hearty, they bulk up the chile and add an earthy flavor.
- Diced green chilies: Bring just the right mild heat and a touch of acidity.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base to unify the dish.
- Heavy cream: Brings the signature creaminess that makes this chile irresistibly smooth.
- Ground cumin: Adds a warm, slightly nutty spice note.
- Chili powder: Provides gentle smokiness and color.
- Oregano: Offers a fragrant herbal touch.
- Ground white pepper: Gives a subtle peppery heat without dark specks.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to enrich the chile’s texture and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, jalapeño slices: Ideal garnishes to enhance freshness and texture at serving.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chile Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add minced garlic, cooking for just 30 more seconds to release its fragrant aroma without letting it burn. This base sets the tone for the incredible flavor journey ahead.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Beans
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, the drained and rinsed white beans, and diced green chilies. Mix everything together well so the ingredients start mingling; the chicken brings heartiness while the beans add a creamy texture, and the chilies brighten the dish with gentle heat.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, giving everything a good stir. Then sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, oregano, and white pepper. Bring the pot to a soft simmer and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing all those wonderful spices to infuse deeply and the flavors to truly meld—this is where the magic happens.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you love a silky-smooth texture, take an immersion blender and puree a portion of the chile directly in the pot, or transfer about two cups to a blender and pulse until creamy before returning it to the pot. This step transforms the chile into an even richer delight but can be skipped if you prefer a chunkier style.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Stir in shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it melts completely, creating a velvety richness that binds all the flavors together. The cheese not only enhances creaminess but also adds that addictive gooey factor everyone loves.
Step 6: Taste and Season
Give your chile a final taste, then adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer for another five minutes, making sure every flavor element has settled perfectly into a harmonious blend.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the piping-hot chile into bowls and prepare for the best part: adding your favorite toppings. This is where you can get creative and elevate the meal with some fresh sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, extra shredded cheese, or some crispy tortilla chips for a wonderful crunch.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chile Recipe
Garnishes
Bright, fresh garnishes like sour cream and cilantro make all the difference when serving this chile. They provide cool contrast and freshness that complements the warm, creamy depths of the dish. Adding jalapeño slices is great if you crave a bit more heat, while extra shredded cheese amps up the indulgence.
Side Dishes
This chile pairs beautifully with simple sides like warm cornbread or fresh tortilla chips, which soak up all the luscious flavors perfectly. A crisp green salad balances the richness, and a squeeze of lime on the side can bring an unexpected bright note to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style touch, serve the chile in a large rustic bowl with bowls of garnishes on the side, letting everyone customize their own. Or try it over a bed of fluffy rice or inside a warm baked potato for a delightful twist that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy chicken and white bean chile stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for quick, comforting meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This chile freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It stays best up to two months, retaining its creamy texture and taste so you can enjoy it whenever a cozy meal calls.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through without curdling the cream. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the perfect texture if it thickens too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
While canned chicken can be used in a pinch, freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken provides much better texture and flavor. The freshness truly elevates the Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chile Recipe, giving it that homemade touch.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with extra beans or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain great flavor without meat.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the chili won’t be quite as rich and creamy. To keep the silky texture, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese or a roux to thicken.
How spicy is this chile?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the green chilies and spices, making it suitable for most palates. You can adjust the heat by adding more jalapeño slices or chili powder to increase the kick.
What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?
Monterey Jack cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully without overpowering the flavors. However, mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses can also work well if you want to experiment.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely special about gathering around a bowl of this Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chile Recipe. Its rich creaminess combined with vibrant spices and tender chicken makes it the ultimate comfort food. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you do, I bet it will become a treasured staple in your kitchen just as it is in mine.
Print
Creamy Chicken and White Bean Chile Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken and white bean chili is a comforting and flavorful dish made with shredded chicken, white beans, diced green chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices. Simmered in chicken broth and heavy cream, finished with melted Monterey Jack cheese, it offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Jalapeño slices
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken and beans: Stir in the shredded chicken, white beans, and diced green chilies. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Add the liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, and ground white pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Blend for creaminess (optional): For a thicker and creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the chili directly in the pot, or transfer 2 cups of the chili to a blender, blend, and return to the pot. This step is optional but enhances the richness.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted, making the chili rich and creamy.
- Taste and season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for another 5 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, extra shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, or crunchy tortilla chips.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken cuts down prep time and adds great flavor.
- Blending part of the chili is optional but results in a creamier texture.
- Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference for heat and texture.
- This chili can be made ahead and reheated for convenient meal prep.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and a vegan cheese alternative.
