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Rich Queso White Chicken Chili

A comforting and indulgent blend of tender chicken, creamy queso, and zesty spices, perfect for chilly nights and special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use high-quality chicken for better flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed Substitute with navy or cannellini beans if preferred.
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the Queso
  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese Ensure the cheese is fresh for a velvety texture.
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped Optional for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pot and set aside to cool.
  2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Add the white beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Queso
  1. In a separate pot, combine the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, milk, and diced green chilies over low heat. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve
  1. Pour the melted queso into the chili and stir until well combined. Let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Taste for seasoning adjustments, and don’t be shy about adding extra salt or spices. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or to save time. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.