Description
This hearty and flavorful White Chicken Chili combines tender chicken, creamy Neufchatel cheese, and a blend of spices for a comforting twist on traditional chili. With the addition of cannellini beans, green chilies, and fresh cilantro, it offers a balanced and delicious meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (8 oz) package Neufchatel cheese (light cream cheese), cut into small cubes
- 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn
- 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving
For Serving (Optional)
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Monterrey Jack cheese
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté an additional 30 seconds for fragrant flavor.
- Add Spices and Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Prepare Beans: Drain and rinse the cannellini beans. Set aside the whole beans. Measure out 1 cup of beans and transfer them to a food processor with 1/4 cup of the broth from the soup. Puree until nearly smooth to help thicken the chili.
- Add Cheese and Corn: Stir the Neufchatel cheese cubes, corn, whole beans, and pureed beans into the pot. Mix well and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with Monterrey Jack cheese, extra cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips for added texture and taste.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken saves prep time while adding great flavor.
- Neufchatel cheese works as a lighter alternative to cream cheese, providing creaminess without too much fat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Pureeing some beans creates a thicker chili base without needing flour or cornstarch.
- Serve with optional toppings like avocado and tortilla strips for added freshness and crunch.
