Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe
There is something so cozy about a warm bowl of Paula Deen White Chicken Chili Recipe on a cool day. It is rich, creamy, and full of gentle spice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cans Great Northern beans drained (15 oz each)
- 1 can cannellini beans drained (15 oz)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced green chilies 4 oz
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeño slices
- Tortilla chips
- Extra cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Cook the Onion and Garlic
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for one minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this stage.
Add the Chicken and Seasonings
- Mix in shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every piece gets coated with seasoning and rich buttery flavor.
Pour in Beans and Broth
- Add Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir everything together gently. Bring the mixture to a soft boil, then reduce heat.
Let the Chili Simmer
- Cover the pot loosely and simmer for 20 minutes. This helps all flavors blend beautifully. The beans soften more and the broth becomes rich and comforting.
Make It Creamy
- Add softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir slowly until smooth and creamy. No lumps should remain. This step gives the chili its silky texture.
Finish with Fresh Flavor
- Add lime juice and chopped cilantro. Stir gently. Taste and adjust salt if needed. The lime adds brightness and makes every spoonful taste fresh.
Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the chili into bowls. Add your favorite toppings. Serve warm with cornbread or tortilla chips. Every bite feels cozy, creamy, and satisfying.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick cooking.
- Add corn for a sweet bite.
- For heat, add chopped jalapeños.
- Mash some beans for thicker chili.
- Add extra broth if too thick.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Top with crispy tortilla strips.
- Smoked paprika adds deeper flavor.
- A little Monterey Jack cheese tastes great on top.