Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili: The Best Quick Dinner

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of chili, especially when it’s the creamy, zesty goodness of Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili. This dish has quickly become a favorite in our home, not just because it’s packed with flavor, but also for its simplicity. Perfect for a hectic weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe shines with its delightful blend of spices and creamy texture. Let me take you through what makes this chili a must-try!

Why make this recipe

What Sets This Recipe Apart

One of the standout features of this White Chicken Chili is how it balances richness with a lightness that’s perfect for any time of the year. This dish is quick to whip up, taking just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families. Moreover, it’s budget-friendly, using pantry staples like canned beans and chicken broth, which means you won’t need a special trip to the grocery store.

This chili is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, thanks to its mild flavors and creamy texture. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice levels according to your taste.

"I made this for the family last night, and everyone went for seconds! It was the perfect cozy meal on a chilly evening." – A happy home cook

How to make Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili: The Best Quick Dinner

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing this delicious white chicken chili is straightforward. The key is to start by sautéing your aromatics before introducing the liquids, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Next, it’s all about simmering and then adding the creaminess that will have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.

Ingredients

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable chili:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 (8 oz) Neufchatel cheese, cubed (can substitute with cream cheese)
• 1 1/4 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
• 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp cilantro

Directions

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the diced onion until it softens—about 3-4 minutes—then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced green chilies. Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
5. For a thicker chili, mash 1 cup of beans with 1/4 cup broth and set aside.
6. Stir in the cubed Neufchatel cheese until melted and creamy. Add corn, mashed beans, and the remaining whole beans.
7. Incorporate the shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro, stirring until heated through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

How to serve Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili: The Best Quick Dinner

Best Way to Serve

Presentation may not be everything, but it certainly enhances the dining experience! Serve this chili with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some diced avocado on top. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for added crunch, or you could serve it alongside crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

How to store

Storage Tips

To keep your White Chicken Chili fresh, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe bags, and it will be good for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to maintain its creamy texture.

Tips to make

Pro Chef Tips

For a stress-free cooking experience, prep your ingredients in advance. This means chopping your onion and garlic or shredding your chicken ahead of time, so everything is ready to toss into the pot. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or including jalapeños for an extra kick!

Variations

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients! For instance, swap out the cannellini beans for black beans for a different flavor profile, or use rotisserie chicken to save even more time. If you’re looking to lighten it up, replace the Neufchatel cheese with a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.

FAQs

Common questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Give it a try for meal prep!

2. What can I use instead of Neufchatel cheese?
Cream cheese works as a great substitute if you can’t find Neufchatel.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

Dive into this delightful Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili recipe, and treat yourself to a comforting meal that’s simple, satisfying, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting creamy chili perfect for busy weeknights, featuring chicken, beans, and a delightful blend of spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 (8 oz) Neufchatel cheese, cubed (or cream cheese)
• 1 1/4 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans
• 2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp cilantro

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the diced onion until it softens, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and diced green chilies. Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
4. Let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
5. For a thicker chili, mash 1 cup of beans with 1/4 cup broth and set aside.
6. Stir in the cubed Neufchatel cheese until melted and creamy. Add corn, mashed beans, and the remaining whole beans.
7. Incorporate the shredded chicken, lime juice, and cilantro, stirring until heated through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For a stress-free experience, prep your ingredients in advance. Adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or jalapeños for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chili, white chicken chili, comfort food, weeknight dinner