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This simple white chicken chili combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, poblano peppers, and corn in a rich, comforting broth. It's quick to make, naturally nourishing, and beloved by families for its balanced creaminess and flavor.
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15 Ingredients
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Instructions
1
Heat cooking fat over medium to high heat in a dutch oven and sauté garlic, onion, and peppers until soft and fragrant (3-4 minutes)
2
Remove from heat and set aside.
3
In a blender or food processor, blend 2 cups beans with 1.5 cups of chicken broth until smooth and creamy.
4
Return the pot back to medium to high heat and add remaining 2.5 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
5
Once boiling, add creamy bean/broth mixture, spices (1-½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp oregano, 1-½ tsp sea salt), corn, remaining beans, and chicken.
6
Let chili simmer for 10-15 minutes at low-medium heat.
7
Before serving, stir in cream until everything is warmed through and fully incorporated.
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Tips & Notes
Written automatically by CookOS, not by the creator.
Pro tips
Blend half the white beans with chicken broth to create a naturally creamy base—this gives the chili body without cream alone.
Sauté aromatics for 3–4 minutes until fragrant before building the broth to develop deeper flavor.
Stir in cream at the very end off-heat or at low-medium temperature to prevent curdling or separation.
Taste and adjust salt and spices after simmering; the flavors concentrate as liquid reduces slightly.
Substitutions
Poblano pepper → bell pepper or Anaheim pepper (milder, less smoky)
Heavy cream → coconut milk or Greek yogurt (dairy-free or lower-fat option)
Chicken broth → bone broth (deeper flavor, more nourishing)
Heat-stable cooking fat → ghee or butter (if not concerned with smoke point)
Storage & make-ahead
Cool and refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat; stir in cream fresh just before serving to maintain texture.
Equipment
Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot · Blender or food processor
Common Questions
Written automatically by CookOS, not by the creator.
Can I use canned white beans instead of dried?
Yes. The recipe calls for 4 cups white beans or 2 cans, drained. Use two 15-oz cans of cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed and drained.
How long does white chicken chili simmer?
Simmer for 10–15 minutes at low-medium heat after adding all ingredients. This allows flavors to meld and ensures the chili is warmed through before adding cream.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cool and refrigerate up to 3 days before serving. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, then stir in cream just before serving to prevent separation.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Use coconut milk, Greek yogurt, or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Stir in gently at the end to avoid curdling or breaking.
Can I use a different pepper instead of poblano?
Yes. Bell peppers, Anaheim peppers, or mild jalapeños work well. Adjust quantity based on heat preference, keeping approximately 1 large pepper for the recipe.