When the air feels crisp and you need something warm, nothing beats the most popular chili recipe. This hearty bowl is full of bold flavor, creamy texture, and a touch of spice that keeps you coming back. Perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends, it is a recipe you will want to pin and save right away.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy flavor that feels like comfort in a bowl
- Easy prep with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for slow cooking or quick stovetop meals
Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in making this the most popular chili recipe stand out:
- Chicken breast: Tender base for creamy white chicken chili.
- White beans: Add heartiness and thickness.
- Onion and garlic: Build flavor from the start.
- Green chilies: Bring gentle heat and tang.
- Cream cheese: Gives that creamy finish everyone loves.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base for slow cooking.
- Spices (cumin, paprika, salt, pepper): Add warmth and depth.
- Fresh lime juice: A bright note to balance richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for chili success:
- Place chicken, beans, onion, garlic, green chilies, and broth into your crock pot.
- Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir gently to mix.
- Set to slow cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return to the pot.
- Add cream cheese, stir until melted and creamy.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice before serving.
Pro Tips
- For extra creamy white chicken chili, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- If you love spice, add a chopped jalapeno with the green chilies.
- Use Neelys White Chicken Chili style seasoning for extra bold flavor.
- Crock pot soup reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Mistakes to Avoid
To keep the most popular chili recipe perfect every time, avoid these:
- Do not skip cream cheese, it gives the creamy base.
- Avoid adding lime too early, it can turn bitter during slow cooking.
- Do not overcook on high, the chicken can get tough instead of tender.
Serving Suggestions
This chili pairs well with warm cornbread, crusty rolls, or even over rice for a full meal. For game day, serve it alongside Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip and Caprese Salad Skewers. It also works as a cozy dinner with Honey Garlic Meatballs or Crack Burgers on the side.
The Most Popular Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- – 2 chicken breasts
- – 2 cans white beans drained
- – 1 onion chopped
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – 2 cans green chilies
- – 4 cups chicken broth
- – 1 block cream cheese
- – 1 tsp cumin
- – 1 tsp paprika
- – Salt and pepper
- – Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Place chicken, beans, onion, garlic, chilies, and broth in crock pot.
- Add spices and stir gently.
- Cook on low 6 to 8 hours or high 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
- Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add lime juice before serving.
Notes
- Add jalapeno for extra heat.
- Stir in heavy cream for richer flavor.
- Mash beans to thicken if needed.
- Store leftovers up to 3 days in fridge or freeze up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without beans?
Yes, you can. Many people prefer a white chicken chili no beans slow cooker version. Just add extra chicken and a little more broth to balance the texture. It will still turn out creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze creamy white chicken chili?
Absolutely. Let the chili cool, place in freezer-safe bags or containers, and store up to 3 months. When reheating, stir well as cream cheese may separate slightly, but it comes back together when warmed.
What is the best way to thicken crockpot white chicken chili?
If your chili feels too thin, mash a few beans right in the pot, or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese. Both ways keep the creamy texture and make the chili heartier without flour or cornstarch.
Conclusion
With its bold flavor, creamy texture, and simple prep, the most popular chili recipe is sure to be a repeat favorite in your kitchen. Whether you try a crock pot cooking version, a slow cooking twist, or a God Mat inspired creamy batch, you will always end up with a cozy bowl worth pinning. Save this recipe and bring comfort to your table anytime.
