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A hearty bowl of creamy white chicken chili, garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and a lime wedge.

Creamy White Chicken Chili (One Pot)

This one-pot masterpiece is an elegant, sophisticated chili featuring tender shredded chicken and plump white beans in a luxuriously creamy broth. It trades aggressive heat for a deep, soul-warming hum of cumin and green chiles, achieving its signature velvety texture with a secret cream cheese finish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Two forks (for shredding chicken)

Method
 

  1. Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle the cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the onions. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the diced green chiles. Gently place the whole chicken breasts into the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
  4. Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. While shredding, add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans to the pot. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  5. Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the heavy cream. Add the softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring gently until it has completely melted and the chili is smooth and velvety. Do not let it boil. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

Toppings: Serve with sliced avocado, extra cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and tortilla chips.
Variations: For a smoky flavor, add one minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce with the garlic. For extra cheesiness, stir in 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese with the cream cheese. For sweetness and texture, add 1 can of drained sweet corn during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Critical Tips: Never add dairy to a boiling pot to avoid curdling. Season generously, as the beans and chicken absorb a lot of salt. The final squeeze of lime juice is essential to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.