Dinner
Creamy White Chicken Chili
A rich, cozy bowl of creamy white chicken chili loaded with tender chicken, warm spices, and melty cheeses for the ultimate comfort meal.
Posted
11/14/25
Level
Easy
Cook
40 mins
Serving
4-6

Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 poblano chili, diced
• 1½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained — purée one can in a food processor
• 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
⸻
Instructions
1. Sauté aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and poblano chili; cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add spices:
Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
3. Cook chicken:
Add chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred chicken:
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the pot.
5. Add beans and dairy:
Stir in drained beans, puréed beans, and milk. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
6. Finish with cheese and lime:
Stir in shredded cheese until creamy. Add lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with extra cilantro, cheese, or a squeeze of lime.
⸻
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
You might love this
Side Dishes
Flaky puff pastry layered with spinach and melty cheeses, baked until golden and made for that irresistible pull-apart moment
Level
Moderate
Cook
50 mins
Serving
3-4
Side Dishes
Warm, golden baguettes with a crackly crust and soft, airy center—freshly baked the very same day
Level
Moderate
Cook
40 mins
Serving
3-4
Breakfast
Golden, fluffy French toast casserole with a buttery caramel layer baked right into the bottom
Level
Moderate
Cook
25 mins
Serving
4
New and Noteworthy
Side Dishes
Flaky puff pastry layered with spinach and melty cheeses, baked until golden and made for that irresistible pull-apart moment
Level
Moderate
Cook
50 mins
Serving
3-4
Side Dishes
Warm, golden baguettes with a crackly crust and soft, airy center—freshly baked the very same day
Level
Moderate
Cook
40 mins
Serving
3-4
Breakfast
Golden, fluffy French toast casserole with a buttery caramel layer baked right into the bottom
Level
Moderate
Cook
25 mins
Serving
4



