5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is the perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a hearty, comforting dish on the table in no time. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

What is 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili?

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is a simplified version of the classic white chicken chili, which is known for its creamy texture and mild, comforting flavors. Unlike traditional chili recipes that require a long list of ingredients, this version focuses on just five main components. Despite the short ingredient list, this dish packs a punch with tender chicken, savory beans, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a fantastic option for when you’re short on time but still want to serve a satisfying meal.

Ingredients List for 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

To keep things simple, this recipe relies on just five key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken: 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These provide the protein and are the star of the dish.
2. White Beans: Two cans (15 ounces each) of cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed. These beans add creaminess and heartiness to the chili.
3. Salsa Verde: One jar (16 ounces) of salsa verde. This ingredient infuses the chili with a burst of tangy, slightly spicy flavor and eliminates the need for multiple seasonings.
4. Chicken Broth: Two cups of low-sodium chicken broth. This serves as the base for the chili, helping to cook the chicken and beans while adding depth of flavor.
5. Cream Cheese: One block (8 ounces) of cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes. This is what gives the chili its creamy, luxurious texture.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is designed to be simple, there are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Protein: Substitute the chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even cooked ground turkey or beef if you prefer a different protein.
• Beans: You can use navy beans or even pinto beans if you don’t have cannellini or Great Northern beans on hand.
• Salsa Verde: If you don’t have salsa verde, you can use a can of diced green chiles mixed with a cup of tomatillo sauce or green enchilada sauce for a similar flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative or use a can of full-fat coconut milk for creaminess.
• Spicy: For a spicier version, choose a hot salsa verde or add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is incredibly easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by draining and rinsing the beans, and have all other ingredients ready.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the drained beans on top, followed by the salsa verde and chicken broth.
3. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Add the Cream Cheese: Add the cubes of cream cheese to the slow cooker and stir until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and enjoy! You can garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime if desired.

How to Cook 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the process into more detail to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time:

1. Layering the Ingredients: Start by placing the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs the maximum flavor from the salsa verde and broth.
2. Cooking Time: The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and easy to shred. If you're short on time, you can cook the chili on high for 2 to 3 hours, but the low and slow method will yield the best results.
3. Shredding the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, shred it directly in the slow cooker to keep all the juices and flavors intact. This also helps to thicken the chili slightly.
4. Cream Cheese Addition: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help it melt more evenly into the chili. Stir until the chili is smooth and creamy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry, even in a slow cooker. Stick to the recommended cooking time and check for doneness before shredding.
• Skipping the Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is essential for the creamy texture of this chili. Don’t skip it, or the chili will be more like a broth-based soup.
• Using Unsoftened Cream Cheese: If the cream cheese is too cold, it may not melt properly, leaving lumps in your chili. Ensure it’s softened before adding it to the slow cooker.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even a simple dish like this can be elevated with thoughtful presentation:

How to Serve 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

• In Bowls: Serve the chili in deep bowls to showcase its creamy texture. Warm the bowls beforehand for an added touch of comfort.
• With Toppings: Set out a selection of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro. This allows everyone to customize their bowl.
• With Sides: Pair the chili with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili

• Garnish with Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Add a Lime Wedge: Place a lime wedge on the edge of the bowl for a vibrant presentation and a burst of citrus flavor.
• Serve with Tortilla Chips: Arrange a few tortilla chips around the edge of the bowl for a crunchy contrast to the creamy chili.

5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prep all the ingredients the night before, making it easy to throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
• Use a Slow Cooker Liner: For easy cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner, especially when making creamy dishes like this chili.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker or reduce the amount of broth slightly.
• Freeze Leftovers: This chili freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   • Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. Can I make this on the stovetop?
   • Absolutely! Cook the chicken in a large pot until done, then add the other ingredients and simmer until heated through.
3. How long will leftovers last?
   • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
   • Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. Is this chili spicy?
   • The spiciness will depend on the salsa verde you use. If you prefer a milder chili, choose a mild salsa verde.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient White Chicken Chili is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create a delicious, satisfying meal. With minimal prep and simple steps, you can enjoy a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this chili is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this easy recipe, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you do!

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