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Creamy White Chicken Chili – Best Friendsgiving Dinner

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This creamy white chicken chili is a Friendsgiving favorite, made with a secret technique of pureeing beans with Greek yogurt for a velvety, tangy broth. It’s perfect for crowds, easy to make ahead, and always a hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (from about 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for serving)
  • Crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Diced avocado (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Toast the spices: Add the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds.
  3. Build the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the drained cannellini beans and diced green chiles. Let cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Puree for creaminess: Scoop out about 1 ½ cups of the bean and broth mixture (avoid large onion chunks). Transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add the Greek yogurt and puree until completely smooth.
  5. Combine and simmer: Pour the pureed mixture back into the pot and stir well. Add the shredded chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices. Add more cumin or cayenne if desired.
  7. Rest before serving: Turn off the heat and let the chili sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
  8. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and let everyone customize with cilantro, cheese, tortilla chips, lime wedges, and avocado.

Notes

Don’t boil the yogurt; keep at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling. Season in layers for depth. Shred chicken while warm. For best texture, puree only a portion of the beans. This chili freezes well and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, creamy chili, Friendsgiving, easy chili, chicken chili, white bean chili

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/creamy-white-chicken-chili-best-friendsgiving-dinner/