Chili is the ultimate hearty, flavorful meal, but for a fresh twist, try Chipotle White Chicken Chili. This version mixes tender chicken with creamy white beans and a smoky, spicy kick from chipotle peppers. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
A Unique Blend of Creamy and Smoky
While traditional chili often uses beef and red beans, this lighter alternative brings a new depth. Inspired by the creamy comfort of white chicken chili and the bold smokiness of chipotle, this recipe offers an exciting, unique flavor that’s sure to please. Smoky chipotle peppers add heat and depth, complementing tender chicken, white beans, and fresh vegetables. This chili is easy to make, stores well, and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or casual gatherings. For a dish that’s comforting with a touch of spice, give Chipotle White Chicken Chili a try. Each creamy, smoky spoonful is sure to satisfy and warm you up!
Customize to Your Taste
One of the best parts about this Chipotle White Chicken Chili is how easy it is to customize. Add extra chipotle peppers for a bolder, spicier kick, or keep it mild for a family-friendly version. You can also top it off with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, zesty finish. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese brings even more creaminess, making each bowl as rich as it is flavorful.
Ideal for Leftovers and Freezing
This chili is also a fantastic option for leftovers. It reheats beautifully, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together even more by the next day. You can make a big batch, freeze portions for later, or enjoy it throughout the week. It’s a satisfying, time-saving meal prep solution that’s as convenient as it is tasty. Perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests, Chipotle White Chicken Chili is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Chipotle White Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 poblano peppers seeded and chopped
- 2 serrano peppers seeded and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup canned chipotle peppers chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 15 oz can of pinto beans drained
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup cream cheese
For the salsa verde:
- 1 lb tomatillos peeled and halved
- 1 medium white onion peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 lime peeled and halved
- 1 poblano pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped
For serving:
- 1 avocado cubed
- ½ cup cilantro leaves
- 2 scallions chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. On a baking sheet, add the tomatillos, white onion, garlic, poblano, jalapeno and lime and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss together to evenly coat. Bake the tomatillo mixture for 25 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Once baked, transfer the vegetables to a food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes until the onions begin to become translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, celery, poblano peppers, and serrano peppers and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Stir in the chipotle peppers, pinto beans, dried oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, ground black pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Cook for 5 minutes on medium low heat.
- Add the chicken broth and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Lower the heat to medium and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes and remove the chicken from the broth.
- Chop the chicken into chunks and return to the broth. Add the salsa verde and stir to combine. Cover the pot again and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until the cream cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Serve the chili in bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, cubed avocado, and a sprinkle of scallions and cilantro.
