Name: Easy White Chicken Chili Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Night Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 cans (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (7 oz) diced green chilies; 1.5 tsp cumin; 0.5 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp ground coriander; 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 pkg (8 oz) Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes; 1.25 cups frozen or fresh corn; 2 cans (15 oz) cannellini beans; 2.5 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving; Tortilla chips or strips (optional); Monterrey Jack cheese (optional); Sliced avocado (optional)

Ingredients

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 cans (14.5 oz) low-sodium chicken broth

1 can (7 oz) diced green chilies

1.5 tsp cumin

0.5 tsp paprika

0.5 tsp dried oregano

0.5 tsp ground coriander

0.25 tsp cayenne pepper

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 package (8 oz) Neufchatel cheese, cut into small cubes

1.25 cups frozen or fresh corn

2 cans (15 oz) cannellini beans

2.5 cups shredded cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving

Tortilla chips or strips, Monterrey Jack cheese, sliced avocado for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: 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 cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and add diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and rinse the cannellini beans, then measure out 1 cup. Set the rest aside. Place the 1 cup of beans in a food processor along with 1/4 cup of broth from the soup and puree until nearly smooth.

Step 4: Stir the Neufchatel cheese into the soup, followed by the corn, whole beans, and the pureed beans. Mix well and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Add the shredded chicken, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro to the pot. Stir and cook until heated through. Serve topped with Monterrey Jack cheese, extra cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use cream cheese instead of Neufchatel for a slightly richer texture.

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onion.

Swap cannellini beans for great northern beans if preferred.

Leftover chili can be garnished with sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime for added brightness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs and shred them before adding to the chili. Poaching or baking the chicken are both good options that keep the meat tender.

Is Neufchatel cheese necessary in this recipe?

Neufchatel cheese adds creaminess with less fat than cream cheese, but you can substitute with regular cream cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter texture. The chili will still be flavorful.