If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, this White Chicken Chili Stove Top Recipe is a must-try! Packed with tender chicken, creamy textures, and a medley of bold flavors, it’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and satisfies your taste buds.
Perfect for cool evenings, busy weekdays, or casual gatherings, this recipe brings comfort food to your table in no time. Follow along as we break down every step to create a white chicken chili that will become a family favorite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Before we roll up our sleeves and get into cooking, it’s important to have a clear idea of the time commitment. Here’s a breakdown of the total time needed:
- Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This recipe is ideal for anyone short on time but still craving a homemade, flavorful dish. It’s designed for quick and straightforward assembly without sacrificing taste!
Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking
To make this flavorful white chicken chili on your stove top, having the right tools on hand will make the cooking process seamless. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
A large pot, such as a Dutch oven, ensures plenty of space to cook your chili evenly. The heavy bottom also prevents the ingredients from sticking during simmering. - Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
You’ll need these to dice your chicken, onions, garlic, and other ingredients with ease. - Can Opener
To open cans of beans, green chilies, and broth, a trusty can opener is a lifesaver. - Measuring Spoons and Cups
Precision is key to balancing flavors, so make sure you have measuring tools handy. - Mixing Spoon or Ladle
A long-handled spoon or ladle is perfect for stirring the chili and serving it up.
Equipped with these tools, you’re all set to prepare a meal that’ll bring smiles all around your table.
Ingredients for White Chicken Chili
One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and can even be adjusted based on what you have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional for a pop of color and flavor)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream for a creamy finish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime (optional for added freshness)
Topping Ideas
To make this dish extra special, garnish it with these favorite toppings:
- Shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced jalapeños for some heat
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Now, with everything ready and prepped, we can get started on cooking our white chicken chili.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a rich blend of spices. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly days and is easy to prepare in just a few steps. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a warm and delicious bowl of white chicken chili at home!
1. Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary, then toss in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. If you’re using bell pepper, add it at this stage.
3. Add Spices and Chilies
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Give everything a good stir to coat the onions in the spices, enhancing their aroma. Toss in the can of diced green chilies and mix well.
4. Combine Beans and Broth
Next, add the rinsed white beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer for Flavor
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and simmer the chili for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll notice the broth starts to thicken slightly as the beans release their starches.
6. Finish with Creaminess
After simmering, pour in the heavy cream or sour cream for that signature creamy texture. Stir well and continue simmering for another 5 minutes. If needed, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings by adding more salt, pepper, or spice to your liking.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chili into serving bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright and zesty flair. Enjoy your homemade white chicken chili while it’s hot!
Why You’ll Love This White Chicken Chili?
This stove top recipe comes together quickly without compromising on flavor. The addition of green chilies and spices pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the beans and chicken. Unlike traditional beef-based chili, this version offers a lighter, yet just as satisfying, experience.
Plus, it’s adaptable. You can tweak the spice level, swap in rotisserie chicken for convenience, or toss in extra veggies to suit your taste.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lime, and herbs elevate the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer Time: Allowing the chili to simmer helps the flavors deepen and develop.
- Thicken If Desired: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash a small portion of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Double for Meal Prep: This chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Perfect Pairings for White Chicken Chili
While this dish is satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Consider serving it with warm cornbread, crusty rolls, or a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili Stove Top recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy supper with friends, it’s a dish that delivers every time.
With minimal prep work and a short cooking time, you’ll have a comforting bowl of chili ready without breaking a sweat. Plus, the creamy, hearty textures paired with aromatic spices will make it a staple in your recipe collection. Try it for yourself and savor every spoonful!
White Chicken Chili Stove Top Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced (optional)
- 2 cans 15 oz each white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 can 4 oz diced green chilies
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime optional
- Topping Ideas
- Shredded cheese Monterey Jack or cheddar
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chip
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Using the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary, then toss in the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. If you’re using bell pepper, add it at this stage.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Give everything a good stir to coat the onions in the spices, enhancing their aroma. Toss in the can of diced green chilies and mix well.
- Next, add the rinsed white beans to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and simmer the chili for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll notice the broth starts to thicken slightly as the beans release their starches.
- After simmering, pour in the heavy cream or sour cream for that signature creamy texture. Stir well and continue simmering for another 5 minutes. If needed, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings by adding more salt, pepper, or spice to your liking.
- Ladle the chili into serving bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright and zesty flair. Enjoy your homemade white chicken chili while it’s hot!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavors.
- Simmer long enough to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mash some beans before adding them for a thicker consistency.
- Double the batch for easy meal prep.
