How can I thicken my white chicken chili?

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour : Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

How to reheat frozen white chicken chili?

Place the meal in the back of the freezer where it's coldest. It's best to use this freezer meal within 3 months. To prepare the chili from frozen, either thaw it in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Then, warm in the microwave, in a pot on the stove, or in the slow cooker .

Should chili be thick or soupy?

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow . This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

What to do if chili is too watery?

What do I do if my chili is too watery? Simmer Longer : Continue simmering the chili uncovered to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Thickeners: Add ingredients like cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water), mashed beans, or ground tortilla chips to thicken the chili.

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

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick.

What thickens chilli sauce?

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.

How do you thicken white sauce quickly?

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency.

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (2024)

Published: Jan 3, 2020 · Modified: Sep 3, 2023 by Abbey McDermott · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This White Chicken Chili is made with creamy coconut milk, white beans, and mild green chiles. This chili has a delicious warmth and is ready in just 20 minutes.

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk

2 Recipe highlights

3 Ingredient notes

4 Step-by-step instructions

5 What to serve with white chicken chili

6 FAQs

7 Essential tools

Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk

White chicken chili is a twist on traditional beef (or pork) chili. It's made with chicken and is more mildly seasoned with cumin and green chiles. Coconut milk adds richness and a delicious creamy consistency to the broth.

This chili is easy enough to whip up for lunch and satisfying enough to serve for dinner. Pair this chili with green chile and cheddar cornbread, tortilla chips, or garlic bread.

Recipe highlights

Ready in just 20 minutes!
Fuss-free recipe with rotisserie chicken and pantry staples.
Full of indulgent, comforting flavor.

If you love chili, try my Better-than-Panera Turkey Chili.

Ingredient notes

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (2)

Chicken - Rotisserie (or leftover chicken) adds ease to this recipe.
White beans - Cannellini beans are nutritious and add a creamy, buttery texture. Small white beans can also be used.
Coconut milk - A combination of full-fat and light coconut milk gives the broth a wonderfully creamy, indulgent feel without being too heavy.

Recipe note: After testing this recipe with different combinations of chicken broth, cream, and coconut milk, I prefer the end result when made with all coconut milk.

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the green chiles, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another minute.

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (3)

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (4)

Add the coconut milk, white beans, and shredded chicken. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed.

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (5)

Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime and various garnishes.

What to serve with white chicken chili

The best part of chili is adding even more flavor and texture with garnishes. Some of my favorites include:

Avocado
Radishes
Raw or pickled jalapeños
Sour cream
Tortilla strips or corn chips
Scallions, onions, cilantro
Lime wedges

For a complete meal, serve the chili with these favorite sides:

Cornbread with green chiles
Cilantro lime coconut rice
Garlic bread
Grilled cheese

White Chicken Chili with Coconut Milk (6)

FAQs

What is white chili made of?

White chili is made with chicken or pork, white beans, and green chiles. It does not have a tomato base but rather uses light-colored ingredients such as chicken broth, cream, coconut milk, and sometimes salsa verde.

What makes white chicken chili thicker?

To create a thicker base, mash some of the white beans with a fork to create a paste. Stir this into the chili along with the rest of the white beans. Cream cheese can also be added. As it melts, it will thicken the broth slightly. You may also opt for a traditional slurry of cornstarch mixed with chicken broth or water.

More soup recipes to try

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Loaded Potato Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Kale and Potato soup with Sausage (copycat Zuppa Toscana)
Chunky Vegetable Soup with Tortellini

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