Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this incredible White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese:Cream Cheese Base:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
White Chicken Chili Flavors:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup green chiles, diced
- 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons white chicken chili seasoning (see recipe below or use store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or more, to adjust consistency)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeño slices
White Chicken Chili Seasoning (if making your own):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese:
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Prepare the Seasoning (if making your own):
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
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Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a spoon, making sure there are no lumps.
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Add Chicken and Beans:
Add the shredded cooked chicken and rinsed and drained white beans to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
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Incorporate the Flavor:
Add the diced green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and white chicken chili seasoning to the bowl. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This is where that White Chicken Chili flavor really starts to shine.
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Adjust Consistency:
Add the chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the dip reaches your desired consistency. You might want it thicker for a party or a bit thinner for easier dipping with tortilla chips. Don’t be afraid to adjust!
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Chill or Serve Warm:
At this point, you have two choices: You can chill the White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together (I find this is best!), or you can serve it warm immediately. If serving warm, you can microwave it for short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, or the cream cheese might separate.
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Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, vegetables, or even toasted baguette slices. Enjoy!
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
Even the best recipes can sometimes present a few challenges. Here are some tips to help you nail this White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese every time:- Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened before you start. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
- Chicken Prep: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, canned chicken (drained well), or cook your own chicken specifically for this recipe. If cooking your own, poaching or baking it will give you the most tender results.
- Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning or omit it altogether. You can always add more later if needed. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dip.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack would add a kick, while Colby jack would be a milder option. A little bit of queso fresco on top after heating would also be delicious!
- Serving Suggestions: For a fun presentation, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bell pepper or a mini crock-pot to keep it warm.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dip is perfect for making ahead of time! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors even more time to meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- Thinning the Dip: If the dip is too thick, add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also use milk or even a bit of sour cream.
- Preventing Separation: When reheating the dip, do so gently and slowly, stirring frequently. Overheating can cause the cream cheese to separate and become grainy.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Want to put your own spin on this White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese? Here are a few ideas to get you started:- Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat) or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dip for an extra kick.
- Bacon Version: Cook and crumble a few slices of bacon and add them to the dip for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Corn Version: Add 1/2 cup of frozen corn (thawed) or canned corn (drained) to the dip for a touch of sweetness and texture. This would pair perfectly with a Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili themed party.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled vegetarian “chicken” or leave it out altogether. Add more beans or some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- Buffalo Chicken Version: Add a few tablespoons of your favorite buffalo wing sauce to the dip for a spicy, tangy flavor. You can also top it with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Layered Dip: Create a layered dip by spreading a layer of refried beans on the bottom of a dish, followed by the White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese, and then topping with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
- White Bean Variety: While this recipe calls for Great Northern beans, feel free to sub in Navy beans or Cannellini beans for a slight variation in taste and texture.
What to Serve with Your White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese
The possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:- Tortilla Chips: The classic choice! Choose your favorite variety, from plain to flavored.
- Crackers: Serve with an assortment of crackers, such as saltines, Ritz crackers, or whole-wheat crackers.
- Vegetables: Offer a selection of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips for a healthy dipping option.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Brush baguette slices with olive oil and toast them in the oven until golden brown and crispy.
- Pita Bread: Cut pita bread into triangles and toast them for a warm and chewy dipping option.
- Pretzels: Serve with pretzel crisps or pretzel rods for a salty and crunchy contrast.
- Tostitos Scoops: Perfect for scooping up all that cheesy goodness!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold as a spread on sandwiches or crackers. This White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese is truly a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just craving a delicious snack. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and always a hit. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite! And if you’re a big fan of Mexican flavors, be sure to check out this Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili recipe. You might also want to consider making a batch of White Chicken Chili to serve alongside for the ultimate chili experience!Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip is perfect for making ahead of time! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What can I do if the cream cheese is not softening properly?
If your cream cheese is not thoroughly softened, you can microwave it for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
What are some variations I can make to this dip?
You can make a spicy version by adding jalapeño or red pepper flakes, a bacon version by adding cooked and crumbled bacon, or a corn version by adding frozen or canned corn. A vegetarian version can be made by substituting the chicken with vegetarian “chicken” or leaving it out altogether.
What are some good options for serving with this dip?
Some serving suggestions include tortilla chips, crackers, vegetables like carrot and celery sticks, toasted baguette slices, pita bread, and pretzels.
Easy White Chicken Chili Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If making your own white chicken chili seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken and rinsed and drained white beans to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Add the diced green chiles, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and white chicken chili seasoning to the bowl. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the dip reaches your desired consistency.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve warm immediately. If serving warm, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, vegetables, or toasted baguette slices.
