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Creamy Small-Batch White Chicken Chili for Two – Easy Dinner

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A perfectly portioned, creamy white chicken chili for two that comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s comforting, flavorful, and ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner without leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • Optional toppings: shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Place a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Bloom the spices: Stir in the diced green chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the beans and broth: Pour in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and the chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer and mash: Let the chili simmer for 10 minutes. Then, using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, gently mash about half of the beans in the pot to thicken the chili.
  5. Add the chicken and cream: Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk or stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the chili is smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
  6. Simmer and adjust: Let the chili simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle the chili into two bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Notes

Don’t skip the bean-mashing step—it naturally thickens the chili. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Keywords: white chicken chili, small batch, creamy chili, chili for two, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-small-batch-white-chicken-chili-for-two-easy-dinner/