Easy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a creamy and delicious soup recipe that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free. This dish combines beans, corn, chicken, and a blend of spices for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The standout feature of this Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is its rich flavor and quick cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With the Instant Pot, you can have this hearty chili ready in less than an hour, including prep time.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices, chicken, and cream cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that satisfies your cravings.
- Customizable Toppings: Top it off with cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips to make each bowl unique and add extra flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from beans, this chili is both nutritious and filling.
- Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this chili works well as a main dish or served alongside rice and salad.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking time significantly while infusing flavors beautifully.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients like onions and garlic easily.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precision when dicing vegetables and shredding chicken.
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
Toppings (Optional)
- cilantro
- avocado
- jalapeño
- tortilla chips
How to Make Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Add the beans to your Instant Pot. Layer the frozen corn on top of the beans. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, hatch green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Lay the boneless skinless chicken on top of these ingredients.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese and Broth
Cut the cream cheese into small chunks (about 5–6 pieces), placing them on top of the chicken. Then pour in the chicken broth.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chili
Securely close the lid of the Instant Pot. Ensure that the valve is set to seal. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After cooking, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Note that it takes about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure initially.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Combine
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Stir the soup well to ensure that the cream cheese has completely melted into a creamy consistency before returning the shredded chicken back into the pot.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Spoon out servings of your delicious Instant Pot White Chicken Chili into bowls. Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or crispy tortilla chips for added flavor and texture. Enjoy!
How to Serve Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Serving your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili can elevate the dining experience. Whether it is a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends, here are some delightful ways to serve this tasty dish.
Toppings
- Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Avocado – Creamy avocado slices provide richness that complements the chili.
- Jalapeño – For those who enjoy heat, sliced jalapeños bring an extra kick.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla strips are perfect for adding texture and crunch.
Bread Pairings
- Cornbread – Sweet and moist cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili.
- Garlic Bread – The aromatic flavors of garlic bread make for a comforting side.
Accompaniments
- Lime Wedges – Fresh lime wedges add a zesty touch when squeezed over the chili.
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices and add creaminess.
How to Perfect Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Perfecting your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili requires attention to detail. Here are some tips that will help you achieve the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust spice levels – Customize the heat by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste preference.
- Let it rest – Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Experiment with toppings – Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like cheese or green onions for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Pairing sides with your Instant Pot White Chicken Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider as side dishes.
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with spices complements the chili perfectly.
- Salad – A refreshing green salad balances out the richness of the chili.
- Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas can be cut into wedges for easy dipping.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and variety to your plate.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and contrast to creamy chili.
- Guacamole – This classic avocado dip enhances flavors while being a hit at any table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not sautéing the onion and garlic can lead to a less flavorful chili. Sautéing enhances the flavors and gives a good base.
- Using frozen chicken: Cooking with frozen chicken can result in unevenly cooked meat. Always use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every palate is different. Taste your chili before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for personal preference.
- Overfilling the pot: Filling your Instant Pot beyond its capacity can cause it not to seal properly. Stick to recommended amounts for best pressure cooking results.
- Not allowing natural release: Skipping the natural release step can affect texture and flavor. Allow at least 10 minutes of natural release for better results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring often until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is a creamy soup made with chicken, beans, corn, spices, and topped with fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later enjoyment.
Is Instant Pot White Chicken Chili gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I customize my Instant Pot White Chicken Chili?
You can add different beans, vegetables, or spices according to your taste preferences. Feel free to get creative!
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is not just delicious but also versatile. With options to customize toppings or ingredients, you can make this dish your own. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness!
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy goodness with a burst of flavors. This gluten-free and dairy-free dish features tender chicken, hearty beans, and sweet corn, all infused with a delightful blend of spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, you can have this satisfying meal ready in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. Top it off with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or crispy tortilla chips to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy a warm bowl of this nutritious chili that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 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 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 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
Instructions
- Add the rinsed beans to your Instant Pot. Layer frozen corn on top followed by diced onion, minced garlic, hatch green chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken on top.
- Cut cream cheese into small chunks and place on the chicken. Pour in chicken broth.
- Close the lid securely and set the valve to 'seal.' Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After cooking, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Stir well to combine the melted cream cheese into a creamy consistency before returning the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, or tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
