Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili is the perfect blend of cheesy, sweet and spicy. Transform last night’s leftover chicken into a delicious bowl of comfort in under 30 minutes!
Cook once, eat twice. That’s what this recipe is all about. If you have leftover chicken or made a double serving of Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken, then this recipe will transform that chicken into a whole new meal. And, that’s a good reason to have leftovers. Rotisserie chicken one night and then…
Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili Tips
Spices make the transformation easy! This recipe uses paprika, oregano and cayenne pepper and I’m guessing they’re at the front of your spice rack. (Ok…Maybe not cayenne. I like just a touch of heat. If you don’t like spicy, just leave this spice out.)
But, how about coriander? Have you tried it? Is it one of those spices you tried once in a recipe and now don’t know what to do with it?
If you like cilantro, then this is your spice. It’s the dried seeds from the cilantro plant and it offers many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and blood-sugar lowering properties according to Dr. Weil in Cooking with Spices: Cilantro.
But, I just love the taste of coriander (and cilantro as you might have guessed!) It has a fresh, citrus-like scent and gives creamy white bean chicken chili a distinctive flavor.
The cheesiness comes from 1/3 less fat cream cheese and corn adds little punches of sweetness.
It’s a delish cheesy, spicy and sweet bowl of comfort!
Creamy White Bean Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken we used leftover Rotisserie chicken
- 30 ounces cannellini beans 2 cans, rinsed and drained
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into chunks
- 29 ounces vegetable broth, low salt 2 cans
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves pressed or minced pressed or minced
- 4 ounces diced green chilies 1 can, un-drained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack Cheese shredded
- Optional toppings: fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onion
Instructions
- Shred or cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Place half the beans, chunks of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of chicken broth in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
- Add onions and saute for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for about a minute more.
- Add remaining chicken broth, remaining unprocessed beans, chicken, chilies and the next 7 ingredients to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add pureed bean and cream cheese mixture to pot, stir to combine and simmer for about 10 minutes more.
- Stir in lime juice.
- Top with cheese, cilantro and green onions before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Enjoy!
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Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living
This looks like the perfect bowl of comfort – so cozy! I am a fan of coriander (I’ve got a huge bottle of it in my pantry that needs to be dug into).
Aggie
I love all the spices! I love making chicken chili. So delicious. Yours looks great!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Creamy flavorful soups are so perfect right now! I need some considering this horrible cold, windy, rainy weather today!
Wendy Jo Peterson
This looks right up my alley! I’m wondering about replacing goat cheese for the cream cheese…any thoughts on balancing flavors? I love the tang with the spice! Looks so creamy and delicious…thanks for sharing!
Marjory
Thanks for your comment. Goat cheese would be great! You might want to just replace the Colby Jack with the goat cheese.
[email protected] Mom
Love it! Looks hearty and comforting!
Becca from ItsYummi.com
I’m a huge chili fan and your version sounds amazing!
christine
I love a recipe where I can repurpose leftover chicken. This looks tasty!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
I really want this chili!!!!!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
As soon as I saw this on Instagram I knew I needed this recipe ASAP. Pinning!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily
Mmmm, mmmmm, mm. So dang happy it’s finally {almost} soup season here in Phoenix. This looks amazing! I love the list of spices in this soup and can’t wait to give it a try! oxox
GiGi Eats
Cream cheese in chili?!?!?! That’s a new one to me!
Heather // girlichef
This looks and sounds fantastic! I love coriander, and am slightly addicted to the ground roasted variety…I’m forever running out. This soup is totally happening, and soon!
Shashi at Runninsrilankan
Wow – this looks so so creamy! I’ve never tried a white chili before – and I sure would love to dive into this!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
Coriander works where lemon makes a dish brighter like your chili! Yum!
Anita
Mmm…never made chili with white beans before but this looks amazing!
Kim Beaulieu
There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chili. It’s why I love Fall so much, just because of the chili.
Arman @ thebigmansworld
This looks so good and screams comfort! YUM
Angela |Mind Over Batter
I love making new meals out of leftovers. This chili is such a great way to use leftover chicken. Mmm…
Nutmeg Nanny
It has been so cold here lately that chili seems like the only thing would warm me up! This looks great!
Meseidy
What a great and comforting family dinner!
healthy chicken soup recipes
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