Creamy White Chicken Chili

Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy white chicken chili, packed with bold flavors and rich textures. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or meal prepping for the week. The combination of tender shredded chicken, spicy serrano or jalapeño peppers, and a creamy, cheesy broth makes this chili a family favorite. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp avocado oil

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 ½ cups chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup green chiles, diced

• 2-3 serrano or jalapeño peppers (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 8 oz cream cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

• 2 ½ cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)

Suggested Toppings:

• Fresh lime wedges

• Sliced avocado

• A dollop of sour cream

• Sliced jalapeños

• Fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

2. Add the Garlic:

Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step releases the rich flavors that will infuse your chili.

3. Simmer the Base:

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the diced green chiles, serrano or jalapeño peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. As it simmers, the flavors will meld, and the broth will reduce and thicken.

4. Stir in the Creamy Goodness:

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup has a velvety, creamy texture.

5. Add the Chicken:

Stir in the shredded chicken and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the chili's flavor.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Ladle the chili into bowls and customize with your favorite toppings! A squeeze of fresh lime, some creamy avocado, a spoonful of sour cream, or a sprinkle of cilantro can add brightness and balance to the rich flavors.

This creamy white chicken chili is a hearty, comforting meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. Its bold flavors, satisfying creaminess, and customizable toppings make it a hit for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers—if you have any!

For more delicious recipes and nutrition tips, don’t forget to check out more on KevTheDietitian.com and follow me on instagram @Kevthedietitian