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Creamy white chicken chili with beans and corn in a large pot ready to serve

Creamy White Chicken Chili

Tender shredded chicken combined with white beans in a thick and creamy sauce with a secret ranch seasoning ingredient. Ready in 30 minutes with optional longer simmering!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic about 1 tablespoon minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 ounce Ranch seasoning packet dry
  • 10 ounce Rotel or diced tomatoes, canned
  • 7 ounce diced green chilies fire roasted preferred, canned
  • 14 ounce white beans navy beans or cannellini, drained
  • 14 ounce pinto beans drained
  • 2.5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken about 12 ounces
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base
  • 8 ounce cream cheese softened, low fat is fine
  • 1.5 cups frozen corn or canned corn
  • Cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, limes, avocado, jalapeño, green onion, tortilla chips for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or stock pot
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Prep your vegetables by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Combine all the spices in a small bowl: kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and the ranch seasoning packet. If using a rotisserie chicken, shred it now and remove the cream cheese from the fridge to soften.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat for at least 1 minute. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, which should shimmer immediately. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic along with the entire bowl of seasonings. Sauté for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices smell toasty.
  4. Add the can of Rotel and diced green chilies without draining them. Stir into the onion mixture. Drain both the white beans and pinto beans, then add them to the pot along with the 2.5 cups shredded chicken.
  5. Turn the burner to high heat. Stir in 3 cups water and 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon. If you used rotisserie chicken, swirl some broth into the plastic container to capture the flavorful goodness, then pour it into your chili.
  6. Chop the softened cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and add to the chili. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to break up cream cheese pieces. Let it simmer for at least 5 minutes for a quick meal, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.
  7. Add the 1.5 cups corn just before serving to maintain its fresh taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, jalapeño, green onion, and tortilla chips.

Notes

The Ranch seasoning packet is the secret ingredient that adds powdered buttermilk and thickening agents. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. For slow cooker: Add all ingredients except chicken, corn, and cream cheese. Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3 hours. Add corn, chicken, and cream cheese and cook on low for another hour. Optional: Simmer up to 1 hour for deeper flavor development.