Name: Delicious Creamy Green Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup half and half; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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Creamy Green Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings. This one-pot meal is loaded with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this chili is not only easy to prepare but also uses pantry staples you likely already have. With its creamy texture and zesty flavor, let’s dive into this delicious dish that promises to be a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Green Chicken Chili

There are countless reasons to adore this Creamy Green Chicken Chili. First, it’s a quick and simple recipe that takes only 40 minutes from start to finish. Second, this dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy option for dinner. Third, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences. Fourth, the creamy texture comes from cream cheese and half-and-half, making it incredibly rich and satisfying. Fifth, the use of green chiles adds a delightful kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Finally, this chili is great for meal prep and can be easily frozen for later enjoyment.

Ingredients for Creamy Green Chicken Chili

Gather these items:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained
3 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup half and half
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Green Chicken Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add green chiles, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Step 4: Add shredded chicken, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and allow it to melt fully.
Step 6: Pour in half and half, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil.
Step 7: Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve hot with desired toppings such as avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or sour cream.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Green Chicken Chili

Keep these in mind:

Great for meal prep, you can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick meals.
Perfect weeknight dinner using easy pantry staples that are affordable.
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.
To thicken the chili, mash some of the beans against the pot.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Green Chicken Chili

This chili is versatile! You can serve it over rice for a heartier meal, or enjoy it with warm tortillas or crusty bread. It’s also fantastic topped with avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream for added richness. Pair it with a side salad for a complete dinner experience.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Green Chicken Chili

To store, simply let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick. This meal is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Green Chicken Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Green Chicken Chili?

The secret lies in using quality ingredients, like fresh herbs and spices. Also, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully ensures a smooth, creamy texture that enhances the chili’s overall flavor.

Can I make Creamy Green Chicken Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili can be made a day in advance. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Green Chicken Chili?

To avoid common mistakes, be sure not to boil the chili once the cream cheese is added. Also, adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you prefer it spicier or milder.

Variations of Creamy Green Chicken Chili You Can Try

For a twist on the classic, consider making a spicy green chicken chili by adding more chilies or spices. You can also create a gluten-free creamy green chicken chili by ensuring your ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables and beans.

Delicious Creamy Green Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights - Creamy Green Chicken Chili - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Potato Soup for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, Slow Cooker Korean Beef is another fantastic option!

For more information on the health benefits of beans, you can visit Healthline.

Delicious Creamy Green Chicken Chili for Cozy Nights

Author: basmer
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This creamy green chicken chili is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal loaded with tender shredded chicken, white beans, green chiles, and a rich, velvety broth.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add green chiles, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Add shredded chicken, drained beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and allow it to melt fully.
Pour in half and half, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil.
Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with desired toppings such as avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or sour cream.