The Most Underrated Chili Ever!

The Most Underrated Chili Ever! is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min

Cost: $25.11 total, $4.19 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 whole Jalapeño (seeded and minced (optional for extra heat))
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic (minced or garlic paste)
  • 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (dissolved in a little broth)
  • 1 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (or salt & pepper to taste)
  • 3 Tbsp All‑Purpose Flour (for roux)
  • 6 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 2 can White Beans (Great Northern or Cannellini) (15 oz each, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 5 oz Diced Green Chilies (canned) (drained)
  • 1.5 tsp Frank’s Hot Sauce (adjust to spice preference)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 cup Rotisserie Chicken (deboned, skin removed, chopped)
  • 1/3 cup Half‑and‑Half (room temperature)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (room temperature, cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup Frozen Corn Kernels (thawed)
  • 1 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed, for garnish)
  • 6 Tbsp Sour Cream (for garnish, 1 Tbsp per serving)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Tortilla Strips (store‑bought or homemade, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients

    Dice the onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño; mince the garlic; drain and rinse the beans; cube the cream cheese; measure all spices and liquids.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Vegetables

    Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat and melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Add Garlic and Seasonings

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the Better Than Bouillon, all‑purpose seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Make the Roux

    Sprinkle the 3 Tbsp flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the flour turns a light golden color and the raw taste disappears.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Chicken Broth Gradually

    Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring to incorporate the roux. Once smooth, add the remaining 4 cups broth, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Incorporate Beans and Spices

    Stir in the drained white beans, Italian seasoning, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, diced green chilies, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Add Chicken and Simmer

    Add the chopped rotisserie chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover, and let cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: low simmer

  8. Finish with Cream Cheese and Half‑and‑Half

    Stir in the room‑temperature cream cheese cubes and 1/3 cup half‑and‑half. Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the chili is creamy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low simmer

  9. Add Corn and Final Simmer

    Add the thawed corn kernels. Simmer uncovered for another 3–5 minutes, allowing the corn to heat through and the chili to reach desired thickness.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low simmer

  10. Plate and Garnish

    Ladle the chili into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeño, tortilla strips, a drizzle of lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
7 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with GF flour, Can be made dairy‑free with coconut cream

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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The Most Underrated Chili Ever!

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A fast‑track, creamy white chicken chili packed with rotisserie chicken, white beans, green chilies, and a touch of cream cheese. Perfect for chilly fall evenings, this recipe comes together in under an hour and is great for meal‑prep.

MediumTex-MexServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.11
Total cost
$4.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Make the roux with flour to thicken the chili
  • Add cream cheese and half‑and‑half for creaminess
  • Simmer with chicken long enough for flavors to meld

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil and boiling broth can cause burns; handle the Dutch oven with oven mitts
  • Cream cheese can clump if added to a boiling liquid; keep heat low when melting

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of White Chicken Chili in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

White Chicken Chili blends traditional Mexican ingredients like green chilies and cumin with the comfort‑food style of American chili. It emerged in the Southwest as a lighter‑colored alternative to classic red chili, often served during cooler months and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of White Chicken Chili in the Southwestern United States?

A

In New Mexico, cooks often add roasted green chilies and use pork instead of chicken. In Texas, smoked paprika and a touch of cheese are common, while some California versions incorporate avocado and fresh cilantro for a fresher twist.

cultural
Q

How is White Chicken Chili traditionally served in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

It is typically ladled into a bowl and topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crunchy tortilla strips. Some serve it with warm cornbread or over rice for a heartier meal.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is White Chicken Chili traditionally enjoyed in Southwestern culture?

A

It’s a popular dish for fall and winter gatherings, holiday pot‑lucks, football game nights, and casual family dinners. Its one‑pot nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients define a traditional White Chicken Chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken (often rotisserie or shredded), white beans (Great Northern or cannellini), green chilies, cumin, and a creamy element like cream cheese or half‑and‑half. Substitutes can be turkey, chickpeas, or Greek yogurt for creaminess, but the flavor profile shifts slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with White Chicken Chili?

A

Serve it alongside Mexican street‑style corn (elote), fresh guacamole, a simple avocado salad, or warm flour tortillas. A side of cilantro‑lime rice also complements the chili’s creamy heat.

cultural
Q

What makes White Chicken Chili special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Its creamy texture from cream cheese and half‑and‑half sets it apart from tomato‑based chilies, while the combination of green chilies, cumin, and smoked paprika delivers a smoky‑spicy flavor that’s both comforting and bright.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making White Chicken Chili?

A

Overcooking the garlic (it burns), adding the flour roux too quickly (causes lumps), and using too much salt from bouillon are common pitfalls. Also, adding cream cheese to a boiling pot can cause clumping; keep the heat low when melting it.

technical
Q

Why does this White Chicken Chili recipe use a flour roux instead of pureeing beans for thickening?

A

A roux provides a smooth, glossy base and allows precise control over thickness without altering the bean flavor. Pureeing beans can make the chili grainier and may change the texture, especially if the beans are over‑blended.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on quick, flavorful, and approachable home‑cooking recipes, often using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken or pantry staples to deliver satisfying meals for busy cooks.

channel

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