If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a bowl of rich, creamy, and comforting white chicken chili, let me tell you—you’re in for a treat. Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili is the ultimate cozy dish, full of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a luscious, creamy broth. Whether you’re curled up with a blanket on a chilly day or serving up a crowd-pleasing dinner for friends, this chili will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Why You’ll Love Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family meal, hosting a game-day gathering, or simply craving something hearty and flavorful, this chili has you covered. Here’s why this dish is a crowd-pleaser:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving a crowd at a party. Imagine how easy it is to make this in a large batch and have it ready for guests or leftovers the next day.
Budget-Friendly: This dish uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, so no need to make an extra trip to the store. It’s proof that delicious meals don’t have to break the bank.
Quick and Easy: From prep to the table, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t take hours to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this is a straightforward dish that will turn out perfectly every time.
Comforting: There’s something so comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy chili, especially when it’s filled with tender chicken and just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect dish for cozy nights in.
Crowd-Pleasing: Both adults and kids will love this creamy and flavorful chili. Serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this deliciously creamy and flavorful chili:
Chicken Breasts
Tender, juicy chicken breasts form the base of this chili. Once cooked and shredded, they bring the perfect texture to every bite.
White Beans
These beans are the secret to the creamy texture. They soak up the flavors of the broth while adding heartiness to the dish.
Green Chilies
They add a mild heat and tang, perfectly balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
Onion and Garlic
A flavorful base that brings out the deep savory notes in the broth.
Chicken Broth
The liquid that ties it all together, creating a rich, savory base for the chili.
Cream Cheese
This adds that luscious creamy texture and gives the chili a rich, velvety finish.
Spices
Cumin, chili powder, and oregano work together to give the chili a warm, comforting flavor profile.
Lime Juice
Just a squeeze at the end adds a touch of freshness and helps balance the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy, flavorful chili:
1. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation of the chili.
3. Build the Chili Base:
Add the shredded chicken back to the pot along with white beans, green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Stir well to combine, then bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add the Cream Cheese:
Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and add it to the pot. Stir until it melts into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
5. Finish with Lime:
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, squeeze in fresh lime juice. This adds brightness and balances the richness of the chili.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips. Enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili
This chili is perfect for pairing with a variety of sides and toppings to elevate your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, crisp salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the chili.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the chili. A garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Tortilla Chips: Add a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for extra texture and a little salty goodness.
Avocado: Top with fresh slices of avocado for a creamy, fresh bite that complements the chili perfectly.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this chili is hearty enough to stand on its own. Just garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for a little color and extra flavor.
Presentation matters too! Serve the chili in beautiful bowls with your favorite toppings and garnishes for that restaurant-quality touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this recipe even easier:
Prep Ahead: You can chop and measure your ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, so you’re ready to cook the next day.
Spice It Up: If you like your chili with more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or some chopped jalapeños.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a dairy-free broth.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
A1: Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will add a little more richness and flavor to the chili. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and shred them as you would the chicken breasts.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this chili is great for making ahead. You can make it a day or two in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors actually get better with time!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Allow the chili to cool, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pot on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! This recipe is easy to double if you need to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust your pot size and cooking time accordingly.
Q7: Can I make this chili spicier?
A7: Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even some jalapeños for a little more heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
Q8: Can I use canned chicken?
A8: Yes, you can substitute canned chicken. Just make sure to drain and shred it before adding it to the pot.
Q9: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A9: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version. The texture and flavor will still be delicious!
Q10: Can I add more veggies?
A10: Sure! Feel free to throw in some corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili is a bowl of comfort and deliciousness. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quiet night in or serving it up for a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this fantastic chili! Happy cooking!
Print
Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili is a flavorful, spicy chili made with tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers
- 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 3 (15 ounce) cans white beans, drained
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced jalapenos, and green chiles. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add the crushed garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- Add the white beans and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the chopped cooked chicken breast and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese just before serving, allowing it to melt into the chili.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a dollop of sour cream to each serving.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper, depending on your spice preference.
- This chili can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 60mg