Queso White Chicken Chili Recipe - Lydi Out Loud (2024)

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What beans do you use for Creamy White Chicken Chili? Tips for making any soup How to serve Queso White Bean Chicken Chili Queso White Chicken Chili Ingredients Instructions Video Related Posts: Reader Interactions Comments Leave a Reply FAQs References

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Published October 9, 2019 | Updated November 16, 2021 | By: Lydia&nbsp|87 Comments

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What happens when you take a zesty and flavorful chicken chili and add Queso to it? Magic, that’s what happens! This Queso White Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food and a cool weather menu staple!

Hi there and happy Monday! It’s a crisp fall Monday in Columbus today, a welcome relief from the 90 degree weather we had last week! It’s finally starting to feel like football weather! Football and fall weather go together like football and chili! Football and chili go together like baseball and cracker jacks! Chili goes into our menu rotation on full blast come fall. We’ve already plowed our way through a batch of my go-to chili (you can check out that recipe here) so I decided to take another stab at perfecting my White Chicken Chili recipe.

When I say take another stab, what I mean is that every previous attempt has been a fail. You know how when you make up a recipe and it isn’t quite right and you keep tweaking it and then it’s over-tweaked and you don’t really know where it went (even more) wrong? Yeah, that’s been my situation with attempting to find a white chicken chili recipe that I love. Well I finally found the missing piece. Queso! Queso, you complete me. Or at least you complete my white bean chicken chili.

Are you ready to try it? Let’s go!

What beans do you use for Creamy White Chicken Chili?

Any kind of white beans will do. I used Great Northern for this one but I’ve also used Cannelini and those work just as well. One of my favorite tips for this recipe is mashing half of the beans. My friend Heather taught me this trick and it adds such a dreamy creamy consistency to your white chicken chili. This Queso Chicken Chili haslayers of flavor and is the perfect bowl of comfort!

Check out the video and grab the printable recipe card below.

Grab a bowl of this, and some football or Netflix and you have the perfect night in, I’d say!

Tips for making any soup

I highly recommend using a dutch oven to make this chicken chili and any soup. I have a glass electric cooktop and after over 2 years in our house, I still can’t predict how hot it will decide to be on a given day. These are the sautéed onions for the chili in a dutch oven. In any other pan, by this point in the cooking there would be several scorched spots.

How to serve Queso White Bean Chicken Chili

With more queso, of course! Also adding some tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro and sour cream round out the flavors perfectly.

Queso White Chicken Chili

Published by: Lydia

This zesty Queso White Bean Chicken Chili is the perfect comfort food and a cool weather menu staple!

4.80 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken breast cooked and shredded
4 cans Great Northern beans 2 cans mashed, 2 cans whole beans
6 cups chicken stock
8 oz. Queso cheese shredded
2 cups onion diced
2 poblano peppers diced
2 cans diced green chiles 4 oz. cans
2 limes juiced
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon pepper

Optional toppings

Sour cream
Avocado
Cilantro
Tortilla strips
More shredded queso!

Instructions

In a large dutch oven, sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add peppers and garlic and sauté until onions are browned.
Rinse and drain beans. Mash 2 cans of the beans, leave 2 cans whole. (The mashed beans give the chili a wonderful creaminess!)
Add spices, chicken stock and beans; simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes.
Add shredded chicken, chiles and lime juice; simmer for 20 more minutes.
Add queso and stir until cheese is melted.
Top with your favorite fixings!

Video

Keyword chili, soup, white bean chili

Reader Interactions

Comments

JEN says
February 18, 2021 at 1:18 pm

DO YOU BY ANY CHANCE HAVE THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS FOR THIS RECIPE, CAL, FAT, CARB ETC?
Reply
- Lydia says
  February 22, 2021 at 8:41 am
  
  Hi Jen, I don’t unfortunately. I’ve heard there are a lot of apps and websites that do that though if you put ingredients in.
Kylie says
October 16, 2020 at 3:05 pm

Do you drain the beans or anything else?!
Reply
- Lydia says
  October 17, 2020 at 11:53 am
  
  Hi Kylie! Nope I sure don’t! 🙂
Katelyn Buell says
February 3, 2019 at 5:47 pm

This recipe is the PERFECT white chick chili recipe. The only thing different I do is roast those delicious pablono peppers prior. I added diced jalapeño here and there too. This recipe won me a chili cook off back in October. Thanks so much Lydi!! -Katelyn
Reply
- Lydia says
  February 4, 2019 at 6:14 pm
  
  Hi Katelyn! Oh my goodness thanks so much for your note, that made my day! Your additions sound delish, I’ll have to try them. Congrats on the chili cook off! 🙂 – Lydi
Nikki says
October 25, 2017 at 8:16 pm

Hi! What step do you add the green Chile’s? I wasn’t sure from the recipe. Making it right now! Thanks!
Reply
- Lydia says
  October 26, 2017 at 9:08 pm
  
  Hi Nikki! So sorry about that, I didn’t realize I didn’t have that step in there! I added them in when I added the chicken. How did you like it? 🙂
- Alyson says
  November 16, 2018 at 6:48 pm
  
  You did mention the chiles on step 4 in the making of it! 😉
Emily says
January 30, 2017 at 1:51 pm

This looks amazing!
Reply
- Lydia says
  See Also
  Southern Turnip Greens Recipe
  January 30, 2017 at 7:13 pm
  
  Thanks so much Emily! 🙂
Robyn says
January 26, 2017 at 9:29 am

Just wondering if this can be made in the crockpot?
Reply
- Lydia says
  January 31, 2017 at 12:29 pm
  
  Hi Robyn, absolutely! You can add all of the ingredients to the crockpot and when it’s almost cooked add in the cheese to melt it. If the cheese goes in at the beginning it can break down and get kind of globby. New word 😉 Enjoy and let me know how it turns out!
Hannah says
January 25, 2017 at 10:54 pm

When I think of queso, I think of the melted cheesy dip they give you in Mexican restaurants. What is shredded queso? Do I find it at Walmart?
Reply
- Lydia says
  January 31, 2017 at 1:20 pm
  
  Hi Hannah! Haha yes me too, that’s where I got the idea… that’s my favorite dip! I got it at Kroger but I’ve seen it at many grocery stores. You may want to check in the specialty cheese section which in my stores is close to the deli. If you don’t see it you can ask the deli and they should be able to find it for you. It’s sometimes called Chihuahua cheese too. Enjoy!
amy says
January 23, 2017 at 10:15 am

This looks delicious, but I never heard of that cheese before. Where did you find it?
Reply
- Lydia says
  January 31, 2017 at 11:40 am
  
  Thanks Amy! I got it in the specialty cheese section of my local grocery store. If you don’t find any listed as Queso Cheese I’ve also seen it called Chihuahua Cheese before. Enjoy! 🙂
Lauren says
January 19, 2017 at 7:36 am

Your chili looks delicious! Thanks for sharing it at Motivation Monday on Mom Home Guide!
Reply
mie says
January 18, 2017 at 11:15 am

Hmmm! That looks yummie!!!
Reply
- Lydia says
  January 31, 2017 at 11:25 am
  
  Thanks Mie, it’s perfect for the cold temps we have here this time of year!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
January 16, 2017 at 7:30 am

Whenever I do a chilli I always seem to use beef, next time I have to have a go with chicken! This looks delicious. Popping over from #meltinyourmouthmonday
Reply
- Lydia says
  January 16, 2017 at 10:53 pm
  
  I love beef chili too but it’s nice to mix it up sometimes! 🙂
LeAnn Voyer says
November 12, 2016 at 8:29 pm

I was looking for a white chicken chili recipe and I happened across your blog. I would definitely try this recipe. It looks delicious!!!
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:38 pm
  
  Thanks so much LeAnn! I hope you love it, I’d love to hear after you make it! 🙂
Daniel P. says
November 10, 2016 at 10:25 am

I have an old family recipe for braised lamb shank done in the dutch oven. Trying to upgrade quality of kitchen one item at a time. This would do just the thing.
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:38 pm
  
  Ooooh that sounds delicious Daniel! Thanks for stopping by!
carol clark says
November 10, 2016 at 1:28 am

id make a stew or chili in it
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:39 pm
  
  Perfect for this time of year Carol! I plan to use it for that all season long!
Kathy says
November 9, 2016 at 9:21 pm

I would use the dutch oven to make Cassoulet!
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:40 pm
  
  I’ve never tried to make that Kathy, I’d love to try your recipe if you don’t mind sharing? 🙂
Steve Weber says
November 9, 2016 at 6:31 pm

I would love to try a short ribs recipe!
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:42 pm
  
  Good call Steve! I used it to make my Chianti Braised Short Ribs!
Raina DelRio says
November 9, 2016 at 5:45 pm

I would love to make a hearty stew or chili.
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:43 pm
  
  Mmmm I love a good hearty stew Raina! Thanks for stopping by!
Heather D says
November 8, 2016 at 9:15 pm

It’s getting colder outside so I also think some chili would be good.
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm
  
  I think I could live on chili all winter long Heather! 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Jeffrey says
November 8, 2016 at 9:01 pm

I would like to make some wedding soup in the Le Creuset. My grandma’s recipe would suit this pot just fine!
Reply
- Lydia says
  November 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm
  
  Oh Jeffrey I loooove wedding soup! If you would ever like to share your grandma’s recipe I’d love to try it! 😉

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Queso White Chicken Chili Recipe - Lydi Out Loud (2024)

FAQs

How to thicken up white chicken chili? ›

From the Editor

Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix together equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the chili.
Simmer the chili longer: The longer you simmer the chili, the thicker it will be. ...
Add more beans: Mash another can of cannellini beans with a potato masher, then stir it into the chili.

Oct 19, 2023

Get More Info Here ›

Why is my white chicken chili watery? ›

This can be the result of: Adding too much stock, broth, or water. A base of beef broth, chicken broth, or stock (and occasionally water, milk, or cream), sets the tone for most chili recipes. If your chili looks watery, you may have poured in more than required.

Find Out More ›

Should you add sugar to chili? ›

The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy. It's all about balance between spicy, smoky, and sweet.

Where did white chili originate? ›

White chicken chili, also known as white chili or chicken chili, is a hearty soup consisting of white beans, chiles, spices, and chicken. While there is no concrete history of the creation of this soup, many believe it to have originated in the Southwest region of the United States during the 1970s to 1980s.

See Details ›

What is a thickening agent for white chili? ›

Cornmeal is one of our go-to thickening agents for chili. Unlike all-purpose flour, this Southern pantry staple adds a subtle earthy flavor to the chili in addition to thickening it up. You can use white or yellow cornmeal that is fine to medium-grain.

Read The Full Story ›

How much cornstarch to thicken white chicken chili? ›

Cornstarch or Flour Slurry: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into your chili and simmer until it thickens. Cornmeal: Add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina while stirring continuously.

What is the best thickener for chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

Read The Full Story ›

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

In addition, broth, beer, and/ or water is usually added to produce the desired consistency in the pot of chili. I usually add one or two cups of beef broth. If you put tomatoes in the stew, this will also provide plenty of liquid.

View Details ›

How do you thicken watery chicken? ›

Powders and flours. Cornstarch, arrowroot, common wheat flour, and the flours or powders made from potato, tapioca, chickpea — to name but a few — long have been used to thicken cooking liquids. (Gelatins and gums also can play a similar role.)

Get More Info ›

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

Discover More Details ›

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Know More ›

What state is known for chili? ›

Since that time, chili has become a popular dish all over the United States. Its association with Texas, however, remains quite strong. In fact, the Texas legislature named chili the official state dish in 1977.

Did Mexicans invent chili? ›

Food historians speculate that chili originated in Texas-Mexico border towns and spread north.