There’s Nothing Spookier Than This Creamy White Chicken Chili

Ghostly White Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that perfectly blends bold flavors with creamy texture, making it a fantastic choice for chilly nights or festive gatherings. This recipe stands out, not just because of its delicious taste but also due to its ease of preparation. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a Halloween party or looking for something comforting for a family dinner, this chili is sure to be a ghostly hit!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

You might wonder why you should choose this recipe among countless others for chili. Here’s why Ghostly White Chicken Chili deserves a spot on your dinner table:

Quick and Easy: With a prep time of around 15 minutes and a total cook time of less than an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples like beans and corn, this recipe is easy on the wallet without sacrificing taste.
Kid-Approved: The creamy and mildly spiced flavor profile makes it appealing to both children and adults alike, perfect for dinner time.
Transformative and Versatile: This chili can easily be customized with extra toppings or spices to cater to your taste preferences or spice tolerance.
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"This chili was a huge hit at our dinner party! It’s creamy, full of flavor, and even the kids loved it!" – A recent fan of the dish.

Your Easy Cooking Guide to Ghostly White Chicken Chili

Making Ghostly White Chicken Chili is straightforward. Here’s what to expect in the process:

You’ll start by searing the chicken to develop a rich flavor.
After sautéing the onions, garlic, and optional jalapeño, you’ll layer in your spices for depth.
Combine everything with broth and beans, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, shred the chicken and stir in creamy elements for that dreamy finish.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get cooking, ensure you have the following ingredients on hand:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen or canned sweet corn, drained
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Additional sour cream and cheese, for serving

Feel free to change the chicken to shredded rotisserie chicken for an even easier option or skip the jalapeño for a milder version!

Cooking Steps to Perfection

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer to a plate.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in the green chiles, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, white pepper, and cayenne. Sauté the spices for about a minute.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pot and add the beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until fully melted, making the chili luscious and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve Hot: Ladle into bowls while hot and top with chopped cilantro and additional sour cream or cheese as desired.

Best Way to Serve

Ghostly White Chicken Chili shines on its own, but you can elevate your serving game with these suggestions:

Serve alongside crusty bread or cornbread for a satisfying meal.
Offer tortilla chips for some crunch.
Garnish with avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for added flavor and fun.
Consider a drizzle of lime juice for that fresh zing.

Keeping Ghostly White Chicken Chili Fresh Longer

To best enjoy your Ghostly White Chicken Chili, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Reheating: Ensure proper reheating by warming thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s steaming hot.

Expert Advice for Cooking Success

Crisp the Chicken: Achieving a nice sear on your chicken brings out richer flavors in the chili, so don’t rush this step!
Adjust the Spice: If you’re wary about heat, always start with less jalapeño and cayenne; you can add more as you go.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best aroma and flavor payoff.

Creative Twists on the Original Recipe

Don’t hesitate to explore variations of this dish:

Spicy Kick: Add diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Herbaceous Flavor: Toss in some fresh thyme or parsley for an aromatic twist.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! It can be made in advance and stored for a few days in the fridge or frozen for later enjoyment.

What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?

Consider using shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even a mix of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian option.

How long does it take to cook?

The entire process from prep to table is about 45-60 minutes, depending on your cooking style.

Ghostly White Chicken Chili is the ideal recipe for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a cozy evening at home. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and ease of preparation, it’s set to become a seasonal favorite in your household!

Ghostly White Chicken Chili

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A creamy and flavorful chili that blends chicken, beans, and spices, perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen or canned sweet corn, drained
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Additional sour cream and cheese, for serving

Instructions

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden, then transfer to a plate.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and jalapeño, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the green chiles, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, white pepper, and cayenne. Sauté the spices for about a minute.
Return the chicken to the pot and add the beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until fully melted, making the chili luscious and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Ladle into bowls while hot and top with chopped cilantro and additional sour cream or cheese as desired.

Notes

For a milder version, skip the jalapeño. This chili pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chili, chicken, creamy, comfort food, easy recipe