Why You’ll Love Creamy Beanless White Chicken Chili Recipe

It skips the beans — perfect if you or someone you’re cooking for has a bean allergy.
The creamy base (thanks to cream cheese) makes it rich and comforting without becoming heavy.
Uses leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal.
The flavour is layered — onions, bell pepper, green chilis, spices like cumin and chili powder all combine.
It’s versatile and adapts well to what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded cooked chicken (such as leftover or rotisserie)
Diced onion
Diced bell pepper (e.g., red or orange)
Minced garlic
Spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Can of diced green chilis
Cornmeal (or flour) to help thicken (since no beans)
Riced cauliflower (optional, for thicker texture)
Chicken broth/stock
Frozen or canned corn
Cream cheese
Heavy cream or a creamy base
Salt and pepper

Directions

In a large pot, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened. Add minced garlic and desired spices and cook briefly to release their aroma.
Add diced green chilis, corn, chicken broth and shredded chicken. Bring to a simmer and let cook until flavours combine and mixture starts to thicken (incorporating cornmeal or riced cauliflower if using).
Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream (or your creamy base), then adjust salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer until fully warmed and creamy.
Serve hot, topped with optional garnishes like avocado slices, shredded cheese, tortilla chips or sour cream.

Servings and timing

Makes about: 8 cups (or enough for about 6–8 servings)
Prep time: approx. 20 minutes
Cook time: approx. 25 minutes
Total time: around 45 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: chopped carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can boost the veggie content.
For extra heat: increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
To lighten it: use reduced-fat cream cheese or swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
For a gluten-free thickener: use arrowroot or cornmeal (as in the original) instead of flour.
If you don’t mind beans: stir in a can of white beans (cannellini or great northern) for added fiber.
Make it slow-cooker friendly: transfer the sautéed veggies, chicken, and stock to a slow cooker and add the cream cheese near the end.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked leftover chicken?

Yes — you can cook raw chicken (breast or thigh) in the pot with the broth until done, then shred it and continue with the recipe.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — as written, the recipe uses cornmeal (which is gluten-free) as a thickener. Be sure your broth and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

3. Can I add beans if I don’t need it beanless?

Absolutely — although the recipe is designed to skip beans, you can add a can of white beans for extra fiber and protein.

4. What toppings would you recommend?

Good toppings include sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

5. How can I adjust the spice level?

For mild: omit or reduce cayenne pepper and use mild green chilis. For medium or hot: add cayenne, use hot green chilis, or top with sliced jalapeños.

6. Can I use a different thickener besides cornmeal?

Yes — you can use flour (if gluten isn’t a concern) or arrowroot for gluten-free. Cornmeal adds a mild corn flavour that complements the dish well.

7. Is there a dairy-free version?

You could try dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cream alternative, though the texture and flavor may vary.

8. Does it reheat well?

Yes — leftovers reheat well, though the chili may thicken in the fridge. Add a splash of broth to thin it as needed during reheating.

9. Can I reduce the creaminess for a lighter version?

Yes — reduce the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream, and increase the broth or add more vegetables.

10. What can I serve alongside this chili?

Serve with cornbread, crusty bread, tortilla chips, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beanless White Chicken Chili is a delicious, comforting twist on classic chili — perfect for those looking for a hearty, bean-free, creamy dinner option. It’s flexible, flavourful, and easily becomes a go-to for family meals or batch cooking. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying bowl.