Chicken chili is the ultimate cozy meal when you need something hearty, creamy, and satisfying. This version blends tender chicken, white beans, green chilies, and cream cheese into a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just over 30 minutes. Whether you’re warming up on a cold evening or feeding the family on a busy weeknight, this chicken chili delivers big flavor without the fuss. Best of all, it’s customizable — mild or spicy, with all your favorite toppings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Just one pot and about 35 minutes!
- Rich & Creamy: The secret? Cream cheese stirred in at the end.
- Kid-Friendly: Not too spicy, but full of flavor.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Highly Customizable: Add heat, greens, or even use cooked chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 (14 oz) cans white beans, drained
- 2 (4 oz) cans mild green chilies
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ block), softened
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Fresh lime juice
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
- Tortilla strips or crushed chips
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Sauté onion: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink on the outside.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, beans, green chilies, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, oregano). Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat: Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add cream cheese: Soften cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds. Cut into cubes and stir into the chili. Cook for 5 more minutes, until melted and creamy.
- Season & serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
- Calories: 390 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
(Based on 6 servings; values may vary.)
Tips & Variations
- Use cooked chicken: Great for leftovers or rotisserie chicken. Reduce cook time by 5 minutes.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- Dairy swap: Sub cream cheese with sour cream or ½ cup heavy cream plus a splash of lime juice.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with extra beans or plant-based meat.
FAQs
Can I freeze chicken chili?
Yes! Let it cool fully and freeze in airtight containers. Creamy texture may change slightly, but it still tastes great.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Is it spicy?
Nope! It’s mild as written. Want heat? Use spicy chilies or toss in hot sauce.
Chicken Chili
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board & knife
- – Wooden spoon
- – Can opener
Ingredients
- – 1 tbsp olive oil
- – 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- – 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 2 cups chicken broth
- – 2 14 oz cans white beans, drained
- – 2 4 oz cans mild green chilies
- – 2 tsp chili powder
- – 1 tsp ground cumin
- – ½ tsp dried oregano
- – 4 oz cream cheese softened
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Optional: lime avocado, cilantro, cheese, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté onion in olive oil for 5–7 minutes.
- Add chicken, cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Add broth, beans, chilies, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Season and serve with toppings.
Notes
Conclusion
This creamy chicken chili is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. With its cozy flavors, simple ingredients, and flexible options, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Whether you load it with toppings or enjoy it straight from the pot, it’s comfort food done right.