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Creamy Jalapeño White Chicken Chili

Creamy Jalapeño White Chicken Chili
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Rich, creamy white chicken chili with fresh jalapeños, cream cheese, and smoked paprika. Perfect balance of heat and comfort with adjustable spice level.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2–3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
  • 2–3 medium fresh jalapeños (about 4–6 oz total), diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in 5-6 quart pot over medium heat. Cook chicken 6-10 minutes per side depending on thickness until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and shred.
  2. In same pot, add onion and jalapeños. Sauté 5 minutes until onions are soft and jalapeños are slightly blistered.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast spices until they darken slightly and smell more intense.
  5. Stir in white beans and shredded chicken. Pour in chicken broth and bring to gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld.
  7. Ensure cream cheese is room temperature and cut into ½-inch cubes. Stir in cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently 5-8 minutes until cream cheese melts completely and chili is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado.

Notes

  • Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes for mild heat, leave some for medium, leave all for spicy.
  • Smoked paprika adds essential smokiness – don’t substitute with regular paprika.
  • Let cream cheese reach room temperature for smooth melting without lumps.
  • For dairy-free: use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time – add when you would add cooked shredded chicken.

Nutrition

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