Easy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a creamy and delicious soup recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This versatile dish combines tender chicken, hearty beans, and sweet corn with a medley of spices, making it incredibly flavorful. It’s gluten-free and dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs. Plus, it’s quick to prepare in an Instant Pot, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty meal in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prepare this meal in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your chili with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips for added crunch and freshness.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this chili is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later use.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make cooking easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: A must-have for quick cooking; it allows you to pressure cook your chili in just 15 minutes.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: Ensures precise cutting of onions and garlic for maximum flavor release.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 30 oz. great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 oz. hatch green chiles
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1/2 cup plain cream cheese (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Optional Toppings
- Cilantro
- Avocado
- Jalapeño
- Tortilla chips
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the great northern beans, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Instant Pot
Add the beans to your Instant Pot. Next, layer the frozen corn on top of them. Then add the diced onion, minced garlic, hatch green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Lay the chicken on top of these layers. Finally, add the cream cheese in small chunks around the chicken before pouring in the chicken broth.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
Close the lid of your Instant Pot securely. Ensure that the valve is set to seal. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After cooking time is complete, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Combine
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board and shred it using two forks. While shredding, stir the soup in the Instant Pot until the cream cheese is fully melted and combined into a creamy base. Return shredded chicken back to the pot and stir well.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Ladle your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili into bowls and add optional toppings like cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeño rings, or crispy tortilla chips as desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Serving Instant Pot White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this creamy soup.
Toppings
- Fresh Cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
- Avocado Slices – Add creamy avocado slices for a rich texture.
- Jalapeño Peppers – For those who love heat, diced jalapeños will spice things up.
- Tortilla Strips – Crispy tortilla strips add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread on the side for a comforting addition.
- Rice – A scoop of fluffy rice can make the meal more filling.
- Salad – A light green salad balances the richness of the chili nicely.
Drinks
- Lemonade – A refreshing glass of lemonade pairs well with the savory flavors.
- Light Beer – A cold light beer is perfect for complementing the spices in the chili.
How to Perfect Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
To ensure your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and onion enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Spices to Taste – Feel free to modify the spices based on your preference for heat and flavor.
- Shred Chicken Finely – Shredding the chicken into smaller pieces allows it to absorb more flavor from the broth.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all the flavors together.
- Experiment with Toppings – Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like sour cream or cheese, depending on dietary needs.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Pairing your bowl of Instant Pot White Chicken Chili with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Guacamole – Creamy and flavorful, guacamole adds richness that balances the chili’s spices.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy Mexican rice flavored with lime and cilantro makes a great side dish.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa offer a fun appetizer.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy contrast to the creamy chili.
- Quesadillas – Cheese-filled quesadillas can be sliced into wedges and make for a hearty side.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and coolness that complements the hot soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the sautéing step: Sautéing the onions and garlic first enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step for a richer taste.
- Overfilling the pot: The Instant Pot has a maximum fill line for safety. Make sure not to exceed it to prevent spills during pressure cooking.
- Using frozen chicken without adjusting time: If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. Otherwise, it may remain undercooked.
- Not seasoning enough: Taste your chili before serving. Adjust spices as needed for a more balanced flavor profile.
- Ignoring natural release: Allowing a natural release of pressure helps flavors meld together better. Don’t rush this step for optimal results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot White Chicken Chili.
How long does it take to make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
It takes about 45 minutes total, including prep and cooking time.
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is both gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various diets.
Can I customize the toppings?
Definitely! You can add sour cream, cheese, or fresh jalapeños based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this recipe offers versatility; feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is your go-to comfort food for busy nights or cozy gatherings. This creamy and hearty dish combines tender chicken, great northern beans, and sweet corn, all infused with a medley of spices that make each bite bursting with flavor. Not only is it gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating various dietary preferences, but it can also be prepared in just under 45 minutes using an Instant Pot. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 30 oz. great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 oz. hatch green chiles
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1/2 cup plain cream cheese (regular or dairy-free)
- 1 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- Layer the beans, corn, onion, garlic, green chiles, spices, and chicken in the Instant Pot. Top with cream cheese and pour in the chicken broth.
- Close the lid securely and set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
- Once done, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Shred the cooked chicken and stir it back into the chili until well combined.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
