If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances comforting creaminess with bold, savory flavors, look no further than this White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. It’s that magical bowl that warms your soul and satisfies your taste buds thanks to tender shredded chicken, hearty white beans, and just the right kick from green chiles and spices. The rich texture of heavy cream swirled through a savory broth makes every spoonful feel like a cozy hug on a chilly day. This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a showstopper that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or any time you need a little extra comfort at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together effortlessly, each playing an essential role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup truly unforgettable. From the aromatic spices to the creamy finish, every component is a building block toward the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Provides tender protein and acts as the hearty base of the soup.
- White beans, drained and rinsed (1 can, 15 oz): Adds creaminess and a mild, nutty flavor while thickening the soup.
- Diced green chiles (1 can, 4 oz): Brings a subtle heat and tang that brightens the dish.
- Medium onion, diced (1): Creates a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses fragrant warmth and savory punch.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces earthy, smoky undertones.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice layer that complements the creaminess.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Forms the flavorful, savory liquid base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides that silky texture and rich taste that elevate the soup.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing onions and garlic to release their flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything into balance.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a vibrant, fresh finish.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream—perfect for personalizing each bowl.
How to Make White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook patiently, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and soft. This step builds the foundational flavor, drawing out sweetness and mellowing sharpness.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Next, toss in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir this fragrant trio around the pot for about a minute, just until the aroma fills your kitchen. This quick step releases the spices’ essential oils, layering the soup with warming notes that complement the creamy broth ahead.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the heart of the dish together. Add the shredded chicken, white beans, and diced green chiles into the pot. Stir everything so the beans and chicken are evenly distributed, setting the stage for the rich flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring your mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the soup to thicken slightly. This simmering step is crucial as it transforms the separate ingredients into a unified, comforting chili.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Turn the heat down to low and slowly incorporate the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The cream enriches the soup, giving it that irresistibly smooth and silky texture, turning a hearty chili into a luxuriously comforting bowl.
Step 6: Season and Finish Cooking
Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to let all the flavors settle into perfect harmony. This finishing touch ensures every spoonful is seasoned to perfection.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe into bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Offer optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.
How to Serve White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note to cut through the creaminess, while shredded cheese melts beautifully on top, offering an extra layer of indulgence. Creamy avocado and sour cream bring coolness and contrast the soup’s gentle heat, making garnishes a delightful way to tailor the dish exactly how you like it.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crusty artisan bread that’s perfect for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness to round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini Dutch ovens or bread bowls for an extra cozy presentation. You can sprinkle crisp tortilla strips on top for crunch or add a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat for spice lovers. Presentation can make this ultimate comfort food feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up. It tastes just as delicious the next day!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly in this White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe. Just shred it up and add it during the cooking process.
What type of white beans should I use?
Cannellini or great northern beans work best here because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with the soup’s rich broth.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a gentle heat from the diced green chiles and chili powder but remains creamy and mild overall. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chiles or a pinch of cayenne if you like it hotter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to keep the luscious texture while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
How thick should the soup be?
This White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe has a creamy, slightly thick consistency—not too brothy, but not as thick as a stew. The beans and cream help achieve just the right balance.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe is everything you want in a cozy meal—easy to make, full of delicious layers, and perfect for sharing with those you love. It’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again whenever you crave that perfect bowl of comforting goodness. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—you’re about to create some seriously memorable comfort food!
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White Chicken Chili Soup: Creamy and Savory Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This White Chicken Chili Soup is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional chili, featuring tender shredded chicken, white beans, and a hint of green chiles. Perfectly seasoned with cumin and chili powder, this comforting soup is simmered to perfection and finished with heavy cream for a rich texture. Ideal for a cozy meal, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, and sour cream to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and have the cooked, shredded chicken ready to use.
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for an additional minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Chicken and Beans: Add the shredded chicken, white beans, and diced green chiles to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, making sure it is thoroughly mixed into the soup.
- Season and Final Simmer: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado slices, or sour cream. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add more diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make this recipe lighter, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
