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Creamy White Chicken Chili

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This soul-warming bowl of comfort is ready in just 45 minutes! My recipe guarantees tender chicken and a silky, flavor-packed broth every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Chili:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 poblano peppers diced
  • 1 jalapeño finely chopped (seeds optional)
  • 2½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1¼ pounds chicken breasts
  • 4½ cups chicken broth plus more if needed
  • 6 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 cans 15 oz each white beans, drained
  • ⅔ cup green salsa
  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • ⅔ cup fresh cilantro chopped
For Serving:
  • Diced avocado
  • Extra cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh lime
  • Cilantro leaves
  • Sliced green onions

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two forks for shredding

Method
 

Stovetop Method:
    Get Those Flavors Started:
    1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
    2. Toss in diced onion and cook until soft and golden (6-7 minutes)
    Chef's Secret: Let those onions get a bit golden - it adds amazing depth!
      Create Your Flavor Base:
      1. Add garlic and peppers, cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant
      2. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, and chili powder
      3. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper
      4. Let everything mingle for 3-4 minutes until the kitchen smells amazing
      Pro Tip: This step builds our foundation of flavors!
        Time for Chicken:
        1. Nestle chicken breasts into the pot
        2. Pour in 4 cups of broth
        3. Bring to a gentle simmer
        4. Cover partially and cook 22-25 minutes until chicken is tender
        Kitchen Tip: Don't rush this part - gentle cooking keeps the chicken juicy!
          The Creamy Magic:
          1. Remove chicken to a plate
          2. Soften cream cheese in microwave for 20 seconds
          3. Shred chicken using two forks
          4. Whisk cream cheese into the broth until completely smooth
          5. Return shredded chicken to pot
          6. Add beans, green salsa, and cheese
          Pro Tip: Room temp cream cheese blends much easier!
            Final Touches:
            1. Simmer 8-10 minutes until everything's hot and bubbly
            2. Stir in fresh cilantro
            3. Taste and adjust seasonings
            4. Add extra broth if you'd like it thinner
            Slow Cooker Method:
              Morning Prep:
              1. Place onion, garlic, peppers in slow cooker
              2. Add all spices and chicken
              3. Pour in 4 cups broth and softened cream cheese
              4. Season well
              Low & Slow:
              1. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 5-6 hours
              2. Remove and shred chicken
              3. Stir in beans, salsa, cheese, and cilantro
              4. Let it warm through about 10 minutes
              Success Tips:
              1. Cut chicken breasts in half if they're very thick
              2. Don't skip softening the cream cheese
              3. Keep extra broth handy for reheating
              4. Taste and season at the end - flavors develop as it cooks
              Make it Your Way:
                Extra Spicy: Keep those jalapeño seeds and add a pinch of cayenne
                  Milder Version: Skip jalapeño, use just one poblano
                    Richer: Add an extra handful of cheese at the end
                      Lighter: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese
                        Storage & Reheating:
                        1. Keeps in fridge up to 5 days
                        2. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
                        3. Reheat slowly on stovetop, adding broth to reach desired consistency
                        The Perfect Bowl:
                          Layer your bowl like this for the ultimate experience:
                          1. Steaming hot chili base
                          2. Big handful of shredded cheese
                          3. Fresh avocado chunks
                          4. Dollop of sour cream or yogurt
                          5. Sprinkle of cilantro and green onions
                          6. Fresh squeeze of lime

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                          Let us know how it was!