Easy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a creamy and delicious soup recipe that’s both gluten free and dairy free. This dish blends hearty beans, sweet corn, tender chicken, and a medley of spices for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this chili stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Instant Pot recipe saves time, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal in under an hour.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of spices, chicken, and cream cheese creates a warm and satisfying dish.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips to personalize each bowl.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this chili is both nutritious and filling.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for future meals.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this delightful Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This multi-functional appliance allows for quick cooking under pressure, making it perfect for chili.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts, speeding up your prep work while enhancing safety.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 30 oz. great northern beans (drained and rinsed (canned))
– 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
– cilantro, avocado, jalapeño, tortilla chips
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by adding the beans to your Instant Pot. Layer the frozen corn on top of the beans. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, green chiles, and all spices. Finally, lay the chicken on top of these ingredients.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Broth
Cut the cream cheese into small chunks (about 5–6 pieces) and place them evenly over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over everything in the pot.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the valve is in the seal position. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After cooking time ends, let it naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Stir
Once safe to open, remove the chicken from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board and shred it using two forks. While doing this, stir the soup well to ensure that the cream cheese has melted completely.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Add your choice of toppings such as fresh cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeño rings, or crispy tortilla chips before serving hot.
Enjoy your creamy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili!
How to Serve Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Serving your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dish.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado for creaminess that complements the chili.
- Jalapeño: For a spicy kick, garnish with fresh jalapeño slices.
Pair with Crunchy Toppings
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for added texture.
- Cheese: If you’re not strictly dairy-free, sprinkle shredded cheese for extra richness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw pairs well, adding a nice crunch and tanginess.
How to Perfect Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
To achieve the best results with your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and nutrition. Opt for fresh garlic and onions if possible.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more chili powder or jalapeños according to your taste.
- Let It Sit: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes before serving helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Shred Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is shredded into small pieces so it mixes evenly throughout the chili.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Pairing side dishes with your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the spicy flavors of the chili perfectly.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice serves as an excellent base to soak up all that delicious broth.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with the chili for a hearty twist.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add a smoky flavor that balances the dish nicely.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of chili.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad infused with lime can provide a refreshing side that’s also nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out perfect every time.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onions and garlic beforehand can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté these ingredients to enhance their taste.
- Using frozen chicken: Cooking with frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking. Always use thawed chicken for consistent results.
- Overfilling the pot: Filling the Instant Pot beyond its maximum capacity can cause issues with pressure cooking. Make sure to keep your ingredients within the recommended limits.
- Neglecting spice adjustments: If you skip tasting during cooking, you might miss adjusting spices to your liking. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Not allowing natural release: Failing to let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure can affect the chili’s texture. Allow at least 10 minutes for natural release after cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the chili to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, along with their answers.
Can I substitute other beans in my Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
Yes! You can use black beans or pinto beans instead of great northern beans. Adjust cooking times if necessary.
How spicy is this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
The spice level depends on the type of hatch green chiles used. For less heat, choose milder chiles or reduce the amount added.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese as indicated in the recipe for a delicious dairy-free version.
How long does it take to cook Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, including pressure buildup and natural release time.
What toppings go well with Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
Popular toppings include fresh cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla strips for added texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is not only creamy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices for personal taste. Try this comforting dish today; it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and a blend of spices to create a comforting meal that’s gluten-free and dairy-free. In under an hour, you can have a delicious bowl of chili ready to enjoy, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or family dinners. Customize your bowl with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, or tortilla strips for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- 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
- 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
- cilantro (optional)
- avocado (optional)
- jalapeño (optional)
- tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions
- Add drained beans to the Instant Pot and layer frozen corn on top.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, green chiles, and spices. Place the chicken on top.
- Cut cream cheese into chunks and distribute over the chicken. Pour in chicken broth.
- Close the lid and set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before manual release.
- Remove chicken to shred with forks; stir well to incorporate cream cheese.
- Return shredded chicken to pot and mix thoroughly before serving with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
