Tender chicken simmered with white beans in a creamy, gently spiced broth, a comforting one-pot chili made for cold winter evenings.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp dried oregano
2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup frozen corn
1 small can mild green chiles
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly golden on the outside, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and oregano, cooking briefly until fragrant and well blended with the onion.
Return the chicken to the pot, add the white beans and chicken broth, and bring to a gentle simmer so the flavors begin to come together.
Lower the heat and stir in the milk and cream cheese, mixing slowly until the chili becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the corn and green chiles, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer a few minutes longer until the texture is rich and comforting.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 380 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 26g | Fat: 18g
Quick Facts
• one-pot meal
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Let the cream cheese soften slightly before adding so it melts smoothly into the chili.
Keep the heat low once the dairy is added to prevent curdling and maintain a creamy texture.
Mash a small spoonful of beans in the pot if you prefer a thicker, heartier chili.
Variations
Extra Cozy Chili
For a heartier and winter-ready bowl, add diced potatoes along with the beans and broth. As they simmer, the starch naturally thickens the chili. This version feels more like a creamy stew. It’s perfect for long, cold evenings. If you enjoy warm and comforting one-pan meals, try this quick and flavorful chicken skillet recipe.
Vegetable-Forward Version
Reduce the amount of chicken slightly and add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or even cauliflower. The vegetables soak up the creamy broth while keeping the chili light and balanced. It’s a great option for a wholesome family dinner. Looking for a plant-based idea? Check out this crispy baked tofu sheet pan recipe.
Cheesy Finish
For a richer, indulgent flavor, stir in a small handful of shredded cheese at the very end of cooking. Keep the heat low so the cheese melts smoothly into the chili without separating, creating a deeper, more velvety texture.